Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives on St. Croix are investigating two apparent murders and Traffic Investigation Bureau officers are investigating a hit and run that resulted in a pedestrian death, according to the V.I. Police Department. Police were also alerted to a fourth death after a male tourist fell ill while snorkeling at Cane Bay and subsequently died.
Police said that Deneil Brow, 22 died from a gunshot to his head in the vicinity of the Shuama service station in the Sunny Isle area about midnight on Friday. Police said Brow and another 21-year-old male went to the gas station where Brow was involved in a brief argument with another male.
The investigation so far indicates that after the argument Brow turned to walk away and was shot at least once. The second victim was shot multiple times. The suspect fled the area in a vehicle, police said. The two victims were taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital where Brow was pronounced dead by medical staff. The second victim was treated for his injuries.
Police said Brow had a weapon in his possession and that several spent shell casings were retrieved from the scene which will undergo forensic testing.
On Saturday at about 12:30 p.m. police were dispatched to an assault case in Estate Adventure Hill. When officers arrived on the scene they saw a male victim, later identified as 69-year-old Leroy Jardin, with several large lacerations on his head and face from an apparent machete attack. The victim was transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead by medical staff about an hour later.
"A 16-year old minor has been arrested and charged with first degree murder," according to Police Department Public Information Officer Melody Rames. The investigation is ongoing, she said Monday.
And finally, on Monday about 5:45 a.m. police were called to a hit and run accident that occurred on Queen Mary Highway near the Crusaders Nightclub entrance and the Williams Delight Laundromat.
Officers observed a 40-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle. He was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. Witnesses told police that they saw a gold or light-colored car that was heading east hit the victim, turn around and flee in a westerly direction. The vehicle did not stop, witnesses said.
When asked if there were anything to indicate whether the driver purposefully tried to strike the victim, or did so accidentally and fled the scene, Rames said the investigation was still ongoing.
"If anyone has seen a gold or light colored vehicle with recent damage to the front end, we want to encourage you to call, so the police can check it out," Rames said. Police are also appealing to mechanics and auto body repair personnel, if they come into contact with a vehicle that recently sustained this type of damage to immediately call police at emergency 911 or the Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222 TIPS.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives are also appealing to the community for additional information on the two murders. If you know anything, please call detectives at 712-6077, 712-6037, 911 or Crime Stoppers.
Meanwhile, a 68-year old male cruise ship passenger from Rochester, N.H., passed away Monday after suffering serious medical distress while snorkeling off of Cane Bay. Rames said victims advocates were speaking with the family as of late Monday afternoon, and no names or other details were yet available.
