Dec. 31, 2007 — Police officer Jeffrey Browne and Luis "Gulio" Melendez, both St. Croix residents, appeared in V.I. District Court on St. Croix Monday for an advice of rights hearing on charges stemming from a deadly Christmas morning shooting spree in the JFK Housing Community.
Browne was arrested Sunday, while Melendez was picked up Christmas Day on an unrelated attempted murder charge in connection with an alleged shooting Nov. 23 in Estate Bethlehem.
The Christmas shooting incident resulted in the deaths of Allen Burke, 18, of Estate Anna's Hope, and Kennyetta McIntosh, 33, of No. 6 East Street, Christiansted. Four other victims sustained various gunshot wounds and have since been treated and released from Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Browne and Melendez, both clad in red prison jumpsuits, were led into the courtroom to hear the charges against them and to be formally advised of their rights. Both were charged at Monday's hearing with two counts of first degree murder; four counts of attempted murder; four counts of aggravated assault; reckless endangerment; possession of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime of violence; and unauthorized possession or sale of firearms ammunition.
Chief Territorial Public Defender Harold Willocks appeared as initial legal counsel to the accused, but said he could not represent the two due to a conflict of interest. For that reason, Judge Francis D'Eramo said the question of bail would be postponed to Wednesday at 9 a.m., when private counsel could speak for the two defendants. Browne and Melendez are to be detained pending Wednesday's hearing.
Browne has been on sick leave from the VIPD for the past five months, and since his arrest has been placed on administrative leave without pay, according a news release issued Sunday. (See " Police Officer Charged in Christmas Shooting Spree.")
Another 17-year-old suspect was arrested at a traffic stop soon after the incident occurred and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. He has been remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center on St. Croix.
Police Chief Thomas Hannah confirmed Monday afternoon the youth said he saw the shotgun tossed from Browne's vehicle; Hannah added that police later found additional, unspecified evidence. He would not elaborate further, saying the case is under seal as the investigation continues.
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