The V.I. Medical Examiner has determined that 17-year-old Rosalie Figueroa died of asphyxiation, according to a report issued from the V.I. Police Department on Friday.
The autopsy was completed Wednesday, police said, adding that detectives have ruled the case was a murder and continue to investigate. Police have asked the community for help in providing any information they may have.
Figueroa, a student at St. Croix Educational Complex, was found dead July 4 in a swimming pool on the north side of St. Croix, after leaving her home in the Lagoon Complex in Frederiksted about noon July 3.
Anyone who saw Figueroa, saw who she was with when she left home or in which direction she walked, if she got into a vehicle or used any other mode of transportation, or if she was seen anywhere between noon July 3 and noon July 4 are urged to contact detectives.
"Please tell what you know," said the statement issued by Police Public Information Officer Melody Rames. "If you think the information you have won’t make a difference that may not be true; leave that up to police to decide. Please let police know everything so they can investigate this case fully."
People with information can contact "a law enforcement officer you trust," detectives at 1-340-712-6077 or 1-340-712-6037, the emergency 911 center, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477.