Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives on St. Croix are investigating a shooting that left two men dead and one wounded Tuesday near D.C. Canegeta Ballpark. Police believe at least two assailants were responsible for the shootings.
According to the police, officers were notified of shots fired at 11:15 a.m. in Estate Welcome, which is almost directly across from D.C. Canegeta Ballpark. When officers arrived, they noticed three male gunshot victims inside a white SUV which had crashed into a brick-faced column in the parking lot in front of the Stop and Save Supermarket.
Two of the victims died on the scene, and the third was taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis hospital for treatment after being shot in his upper right arm and right thigh. Police said they believe two or more assailants opened fire from the road to the left of the grocery store when the white SUV was attempting to park.
Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives are actively investigating this case to determine the motive and to identify the suspects responsible for this shooting. Acting Police Commissioner Raymond L. Hyndman decried the level of violence that St. Croix has been experiencing this year.
“Enough is enough,” Hyndman said. “This wanton bloodshed has to come to an end.”
Hyndman said that he has instructed the St. Croix police chief to intensify his efforts to deal with the recent increase in the level of violence that has occurred this week on the island.
“I am sending a warning to all those wanting to engage in retaliation for this shooting and other recent shootings, Hyndman said. “Police will be out in full force looking for anyone engaged in criminal activity.”
Hyndman also advised the community that there will be an increased police presence conducting road blocks and other anti-crime initiatives. He asked for the community’s cooperation and said the department’s objective is to target those who are responsible for the recent violence and make the community safer for everyone.
Hyndman continued, “I want to urge anyone who knows anything about these acts of violence to remember that when one person is killed or injured the entire community suffers. If you suspect someone in your family is involved in criminal activities, don’t wait until it is too late. Family members need to intervene now, demonstrate tough love, even if it means turning the person into the police before it is too late and that loved one loses their life.”
Hyndman said his comments apply to the entire Virgin Islands, including residents of St. Thomas and St. John. According to the police, It is the responsibility of every person in the community to inform police so that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes can be arrested.
You can relay your information anonymously to Crime Stoppers USVI by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by calling the detectives at 712-6077 or 712-6037.
