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Man Arrested After Allegedly Beating Elderly Neighbor Inside Residence

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Man Arrested After Allegedly Beating Elderly Neighbor Inside Residence

A man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly assaulting an elderly male inside a residence in Estate St. Georges on St. Croix, leaving the victim unconscious and in need of off-island medical treatment, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.

At approximately 3:53 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an assault and that the victim, described as an unconscious elderly male, was being transported by ambulance to the Juan F. Luis Hospital emergency room. Upon arrival, Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives observed that the victim had sustained a visible head injury and remained unconscious, the police report stated.

According to a witness at the scene, they were asleep inside the residence when they heard someone outside calling for help. Upon investigating, the witness identified the individual as their neighbor, Travis Lawrence Jr., and invited him inside. Once inside, Lawrence allegedly locked the screen door and began striking the victim repeatedly in the face and head, the report stated.

Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, arrangements were made for the victim to be airlifted off-island for further medical care, the report stated.

Patrol officers detained Lawrence at the scene and transported him to the Juan F. Luis Hospital emergency room, where he was treated for minor cuts not related to the assault, it said.

Lawrence was subsequently arrested by detectives. He was advised of his Miranda Rights and declined to provide a statement. His bail was set at $25,000 as per the bond schedule. He was booked and transported to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights hearing, scheduled for Monday at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, it said.

Man Fatally Shot Inside SUV in Fort Mylner Broad Daylight Attack

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Man Fatally Shot Inside SUV in Fort Mylner Broad Daylight Attack

A 29-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in the Fort Mylner area, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.

At approximately 1:37 p.m., multiple citizens contacted 911 to report a shooting near the KFC in Fort Mylner. Callers stated a man had been shot inside a red SUV and appeared unresponsive, according to the police report.

When officers and emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene, they observed a Black male seated in the vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. EMTs attempted to assess for vital signs but determined the man showed no signs of life, the police report stated.

The victim was later identified by next of kin as Everton G. Ralph Jr. His death marks the eighth homicide of 2025 on St. Thomas, and the 16th for the territory, according to the Source Homicide List.*

The investigation is being led by the VIPD’s Major Crimes Unit. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Unit’s Major Crimes Division at 340-714-9823 or 340-714-9829. Tips can also be submitted to the VIPD at 340-774-2211 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.

New Details in Charges Against Accused ‘Bobo’ Gordon Killer and Father

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New Details in Charges Against Accused ‘Bobo’ Gordon Killer and Father

The father and son arrested by police investigating an alleged attempted murder at a long-troubled nightclub in April had hidden illegal weapons and ammunition in a bedroom wall, according to court records. The son was already fighting murder and weapons charges in the unprovoked killing of a homeless man.

The June 10 search-warrant raid yielded three handguns and 174 rounds of ammunition, according to court records. The weapons had extended clips to hold more ammunition. Two of the handguns were so-called ghost guns, which have no registration marks, and one had been altered to fire like an automatic weapon. Police also recovered a camouflage face mask.

Elijah Spencer, 23, and his father, Tony Elizee, 41, of Mount Pleasant, were charged with carrying a firearm and unauthorized possession of ammunition. Neither man had a license to own guns.

Elizee denied ownership of the weapons and said they belonged to his son, according to charging documents. He allegedly gave police three different, inconsistent statements and declined to provide a DNA sample.

Spencer did not provide police with a statement but did shout, “I don’t know who them guns for, it ain’t mine,” according to court records.

Separately, Spencer has pleaded not guilty to the April 2023 murder of 67-year-old Milton “Bobo” Gordon. Police allege Spencer and another man lured Gordon with the promise of money before gunning him down without provocation.

When police executed the search warrant June 10, they were investigating Spencer as a suspect in an April assault and attempted murder at the Front Line Bar & Grill, according to court records.

The Estate Colquhoun outdoor nightclub has been the site of several shootings over recent years and a sword attack.

In July 2022, officers arrived at the Front Line shortly before 1 a.m. to find 43-year-old Randy A. Lockhart on the ground in the parking lot. He had multiple visible gunshot wounds and no vital signs, police said.

In 2017, miscommunications led to an off-duty officer shooting a man with a gun and then being shot in return by an on-duty officer at Front Line, according to police.

Calquhoun residents wanted Frontline closed after a deadly April 2014 ambush at the nightclub. Five men were arrested for the murder of a 32-year-old man and wounding of a police officer, according to police.

In 2011, a man was shot to death after an argument, and another man injured at the nightclub. In 2009, gunmen hid in bushes outside the nightclub and started shooting, wounding at least three people. In 2004, a man was shot to death after buying food from a vendor outside the nightclub, according to police.

In December 2000, a woman at Front Line turned down a man’s request to dance. Enraged, the 25-year-old spurned dancer went to his car and fetched a 33-inch sword, police said. Two off-duty police officers reportedly confronted the man and shot him in the chest when he swung the blade at them, according to police.

Virtue of the Week – Kindness

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Virtue of the Week – Kindness

Virtue of the Week – Kindness

Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.

 

Kindness

Kindness is caring that springs from compassion. We have genuine concern for the welfare of others. We are warm, friendly and ready to help. We notice what people need. We give tender attention in simple ways that bring others happiness. We are kind and gentle, even when things don’t go our way. We balance honesty with tact. We are good stewards of the earth and all living things. We are kind to ourselves; then our kindness naturally overflows to others.

Quote: “A problem shared is a problem halved, an acknowledgement shared is an acknowledgement squared.” —Jetha Devapura

The Practice of Kindness

I care for myself.

I have empathy for others.

I notice what people need.

I love to be helpful.

I am thoughtful.

I practice good habits that help the earth.

Questions for Discussion

  • How is kindness extended in your strongest relationships?
  • Are you holding any kindness in exile? What would it mean to extend it?
  • What needs your tender attention? How will you attend to it?
  • How can listening to the needs beneath the words strengthen our social justice work?

Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!

Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project, and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.

Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.

About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands

Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.

About Virtues Matter

Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.

Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.

To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit virtuesproject.com.

Police Search for Suspect in Bovoni Machete Assault

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Police Search for Suspect in Bovoni Machete Assault

Detectives with the Virgin Islands Police Department are searching for a suspect known as “Yardie” in connection with a violent assault that occurred Saturday night in Sanchez Town, Bovoni, the department announced.

According to the VIPD, the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to a report at approximately 9 p.m. involving an adult male whose neck had been slashed with a machete. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had fled the scene in a brown four-door vehicle prior to police response.

The victim was transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries, the police report stated.

Authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying or locating the suspect. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 extensions 5553, 5554, 5555, or 5556. Tips can also be reported to 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-TIPS, the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5546, or the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506.

According to the VIPD, all tips will be kept confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

St. Croix Man Accused of Cashing Five Forged Checks Totaling Over $10K

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St. Croix Man Accused of Cashing Five Forged Checks Totaling Over $10K

A 27-year-old man is facing multiple fraud charges after detectives allege he used forged documents to cash more than $10,000 in counterfeit checks at various banks across the island.

According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, Floyd Stevens was arrested Saturday after an investigation by the Economic Crimes Unit uncovered evidence connecting him to two separate obtaining money by false pretenses complaints filed on March 17 and April 10 by two business owners. Investigators determined Stevens used a U.S. Virgin Islands driver’s license to cash five counterfeit checks totaling $10,220. Each check contained forged signatures and was processed at different financial institutions.

Following the investigation, detectives and patrol officers executed an arrest warrant at Stevens’ residence, where he was advised of his rights and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Operations Building, booked, and formally charged with obtaining money by false pretense, forgery, uttering or passing forged or counterfeited matters, passing or possession of forged bills or notes, grand larceny, identity theft, participating in fraud on creditors, access to computer for fraudulent purposes, and conspiracy, the police report stated.

Bail was set at $20,000. Unable to post bail, Stevens was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, scheduled for Monday, at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, the report stated.

Man Accused of Cashing Forged Checks at Banks Across St. Croix

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Man Accused of Cashing Forged Checks at Banks Across St. Croix

A 27-year-old man is facing multiple fraud-related charges after authorities say he used a forged U.S. Virgin Islands driver’s license to cash three counterfeit checks totaling $6,470 at various banking institutions.

According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, Darius George Jr. was identified during an investigation launched by the Economic Crimes Unit into two separate complaints filed on March 17 and April 10 by different business owners. Each check allegedly bore forged signatures and was cashed using George’s personal identification.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for George.

On June 13, detectives located George at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, where he was advised of his rights and served with the warrant. He was then taken to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Operations Building for booking. George was charged with obtaining money by false pretense, forgery, uttering or passing forged or counterfeited matters, passing or possession of forged bills or notes, grand larceny, identity theft, participating in fraud on creditors, access to computer for fraudulent purposes, and conspiracy, the police report stated.

Bail was set at $20,000. Unable to post bail, George was remanded to custody and is awaiting his Advice of Rights hearing, scheduled for Monday at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, the report stated.

Ajani Prentice Arrested in Fatal Oswald Harris Court Shooting

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Ajani Prentice Arrested in Fatal Oswald Harris Court Shooting

Police have arrested 20-year-old Ajani Prentice for the fatal shooting of Shyiane Degallerie, who was gunned down mid-Thursday afternoon in the Oswald Harris Court housing community.

According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, Prentice was taken into custody Saturday night around 8 p.m. and charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a confrontation in which Degallerie allegedly pulled a gun on a member of Prentice’s family. Prentice reportedly responded by opening fire.

The incident began just before 3 p.m. Thursday when a male caller to 911 reported a hit-and-run near Oswald Harris Court. Moments later, gunfire rang out in the same area. When officers arrived, they found Degallerie unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Degallerie, 28, was identified by next of kin.

The case remains under investigation by the VIPD Major Crimes Unit, which is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the department directly at (340) 774-2211, reaching the Major Crimes Division at (340) 714-9823 or (340) 714-9829, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 16 – June 27

Mat Probasco
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36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 16 – June 27

JUNE 16, 2025 

Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

BLOCK I

Bill No. 36-0070 An Act amending title 28 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19 by adding section 423 relating to failure to use property acquired through the exercise of the power of eminent. 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, Virgin Islands Department of Justice

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK II

The Committee will receive testimony from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on the Street Addressing Initiative Program including a comprehensive update, progress achieved, challenges faced, and anticipated timeline for next steps.

Invited Testifiers:

Nadja Harrigan, Esq., Acting Chief of Staff, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Chris George, Administrator, GIS Division, Office of the Lieutenant Governor 

Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director, Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism 

JUNE 17, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee will receive testimony regarding plans for summer repair and maintenance in public schools, as well as consider and vet proposed committee legislation.

BLOCK I – Plans for summer repair and maintenance in public schools

Invited Testifier:

Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

BLOCK II – Consider and vet proposed committee legislation

Bill No. 36-0049 An Act establishing the Bureau of School Security within the Virgin Islands Department of Education 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Irvin Mason, Director of School Security, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Gleston E. McIntosh, Jr., Executive Director, Virgin Islands Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)

Honorable Mario Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department

Kevin Dowdy, School Monitor, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0064 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111, section 3100i aligning the disbursement and spending limitations of funds allotted to public schools from the Education Initiative Fund with the realities of academic planning, ensuring that funds are used to maximize student success

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management and Budget

JUNE 18, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Bureau of Corrections

Wynnie Testamark, Director

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Department of Justice

Honorable Gordon C. Rhea, Esq., Attorney General

Continuation of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance Hearing on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6:00 P.M. in the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room on St. John to receive testimony on the following bill:

BLOCK III 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0092 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Vincent Richards, Assistant Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

Mr. Sean L. Claxton, President, St. John Taxi Services Corporation

Ms. Carmen Wesselhoft, Taxi Driver

JUNE 23, 2025

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

9:30 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agencies:

BLOCK I 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, its current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges and the following:

• Outcome of the efforts of the recent delegation’s travels to Puerto Rico;

• Effects of President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on our territory; and

• Other pertinent information as it pertains to our veterans.

Invited Testifier:

Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs

BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0090 An act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 200m to declare the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as the Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week. 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department

Bill No. 36-0097 A resolution commending the National Conference of State Legislatures (“NCSL”) on its 50th anniversary and recognizing the NCSL for its commitment to the legislative institution. 

BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0012 An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 to streamline the GERS disability annuity approval procedures and for other related issues. 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System

Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System

Bill No. 36-0066 An Act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 by adding a section 928a providing that all officials and employees of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority and its wholly owned subsidiaries must be members of the Government Employees

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System 

Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System

Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Public Finance Authority 

Mr. Nathan Simmonds, Director of Finance & Administration, Public Finance Authority

Mr. Stephan Adams, President & Chief Executive Officer, ViNGN

JUNE 24, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. 

10:00 A.M. VI Energy Office

Kyle Fleming, Director

12:00 P.M. LUNCH

1:00 P.M. VITEMA

Daryl Jaschen, Director

3:00 P.M. VIFEMS

Antonio Stevens, Director

JUNE 25, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

JUNE 26, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. 

10:00 A.M. Public Service Commission

12:00 P.M. LUNCH

1:00 P.M. Department of Labor

3:00 P.M. Division of Personnel GESC/OCB

JUNE 27, 2025

Regular Session

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Marelise Beach
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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 15, through Saturday, June 21. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

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