Less than 12 hours after police on St. Thomas learned of the stabbing death of Ernestine Carty, 64, they had 22-year-old Kareem Mulraine in custody, charged with first degree murder and use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Both Carty and Mulraine lived in Tutu Highrise apartments.
Police were notified about 2:45 a.m. Wednesday of an unresponsive female in an apartment. According to the police report, the victim was motionless on the floor of her apartment with multiple stab wounds about her body.
Emergency Medical Technicians on the scene could not detect any vital signs.
Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives, members of the Intelligence Unit and Zone C officers conducted an investigation and canvassed the neighborhood. Forensic technicians processed the scene.
Based on the results of the investigation police requested an arrest warrant from the Superior Court.
Mulraine was arrested at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. His bail was set at $250,000 and he was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending further court action.
Police Department spokesman Melody Rames said the community provided helpful information.
St. Thomas-St. John Deputy Police Chief Dwayne DeGraff said, “When the community comes forward and tells what they know, suspects can be arrested swiftly. Any murder is a tragedy; however, a quick arrest is the best conclusion for the family and the community,” he said.
