In recent weeks, the territory has experienced a surge in violent crime, with nine homicides reported across St. Thomas and St. Croix in October and early November 2024. This alarming trend has prompted urgent calls for community action and scrutiny of law enforcement measures.
During a Government House briefing on Monday, Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. addressed the escalating violence. While his prepared statement initially focused on upcoming Veterans Day activities, media inquiries shifted the discussion to the status of surveillance cameras intended to aid the Virgin Islands Police Department in crime prevention and investigation.
Motta acknowledged the government’s decision to discontinue its partnership with Mon Ethos Pro Support, the company previously contracted to provide camera systems for the VIPD. He stated, “We have shifted from doing business with Mon Ethos, and the work that has been done in the interim is continuing to proceed. Once we close those loops, we’ll alert the public to that.”
Despite the termination of the Mon Ethos contract, Motta emphasized that existing surveillance infrastructure remains operational and effective. “There are functioning cameras in the community as we speak,” he noted. “We have made inroads in investigations utilizing the cameras. I just want to make it clear that when we talk about these things, we don’t say nothing is happening.”
The contract with Mon Ethos Pro Support came under scrutiny following legal issues involving the company’s founder, David Whitaker. In September, Whitaker pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and bribery related to contracts with the VIPD, leading to the government’s decision to sever ties with the firm.
In response to the recent spike in homicides, the VIPD’s top brass released a video statement on Saturday, urging public cooperation. Capt. Sandra Colbourne highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “One is too many — nine is out of control. We’re asking for any information that can lead to the capture of the suspect or suspects in these matters.”
Chief of Police for St. Thomas and St. John, Stephen Phillips, called for collective community action to combat the violence. “We have to come together as a community to stop this heinous crime that’s happening,” he said. “VIPD men and women will be on the streets and conducting routine traffic stops. We have to take away the opportunity from these criminals, who destroying our economy, our tourism, our way of living — people are living in fear.”
Meanwhile, Acting Police Commissioner Mario Brooks delivered a stern message to those responsible for the violence, describing the perpetrators as “idiots, clowns, and cowards.”
He expressed unwavering support for law enforcement efforts, stating, “Officers have 100 percent support from me to do what they have to do. Those of you out there committing the crimes—don’t run. Stand up and meet us since you’re so bad. It’s time this nonsense ends, and we’re here to end it.”
Including Sunday’s shooting of 17-year-old Kareem L. Pinney on St. Thomas, nine people were killed in the last 30 days alone:
- Stalin N. Flores-Gomez, 23, died from multiple gunshot wounds after police found him unresponsive Oct. 7 at Mandahl Bay Beach on St. Thomas.
- An unidentified man was shot and killed on Oct. 13 and found on Kronprindsens Gade on St. Thomas. Police issued a wanted notice on Saturday for Demare Andrew Encarnacion, 32, in connection with the killing.
- Venquon N. Richardson, 26, was shot and killed on Oct. 19 at a Bovoni gas station on St. Thomas.
- Walton “Selah” Macedon, 67, succumbed to apparent gunshot wounds after police responded to reports of gunshots on Oct. 20 in the Golden Rock area on St. Croix.
- Franklin Thomas Archibald Jr., 20, died on Oct. 22 after he was shot in Hospital Ground on St. Thomas.
- Quanza Heath, 35, died after he was shot on Oct. 23 in the Lorraine Village area on St. Croix. A suspect was taken into custody later that day.
- Errol Stephen St. Jean, 19, was shot and killed on Oct. 25 at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Croix.
- Hasani Parris, 27, was shot and killed on Oct. 30 in Hospital Ground on St. Thomas.
The VIPD encourages anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward. Reports can be made by calling 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
