Three St. Croix men, including a Government House security officer, died over the weekend in circumstances the Virgin Islands Police Department was investigating Sunday as potential suicides.
The Source does not normally report on suicides but makes exceptions in extraordinary situations, including when the deaths occur in public. Police and medical examiners had not confirmed the causes of death as of Sunday evening.
Shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, someone called VIPD to report a vehicle in the water at Salt River Marina. The person was able to remove the car’s lone occupant but the man was already dead from a gunshot wound to the head, police said.
VIPD confirmed the man was Janlee Cruz, a police officer assigned to the Executive Security Unit at Government House in St. Croix.
Cruz had been on the job just over a year, having graduated from the Peace Officer Recruit Training program Oct. 23, 2023. He made a strong impression in that short time. Government House released a statement Saturday praising Cruz.
“Government House is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Janlee Cruz, a cherished team member at Government House in St. Croix. As a member of the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Executive Security Unit, Janlee was a dedicated protector and a valued colleague whose unwavering commitment and vibrant spirit brought a unique energy to our workplace,” the statement read.
It added that Cruz “approached his duties with a noticeable enthusiasm, a bright smile, and a readiness to serve. His dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of those he worked with was evident in everything he did, and his positive attitude was a constant source of encouragement for all of us.”
They said he would be remembered for his professionalism, kindness, and generosity.
Police said an autopsy would determine the cause of death.
Also, on Saturday, police received a call around 12:30 p.m. of a possible suicide at the old St. C Condominiums. Police arrived to find a man on the floor with his wife performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The woman told police she found her husband and immediately called 911.
Police were called to another potential suicide Friday afternoon. Officers said they arrived at a Sweet Lime, Frederiksted home to find emergency medical services performing CPR on a man who was later pronounced dead at Juan F. Luis Hospital.
The man’s wife said they had argued. “She left with their toddler, and upon her return, she discovered her husband. After seeking assistance from her neighbors, CPR was performed until EMS arrived,” police said.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988 or 800-273-8255. In 2022, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said the hotline was not just for Virgin Islanders experiencing suicidal thoughts but also for family and friends worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Dial 988 or 800-273-8255.
