The V.I. Justice Department has filed a motion to transfer the case of the 15-year-old accused of killing Jordan “Dutty Heart” Jones to adult court, a department spokesperson confirmed to the Source Tuesday.
The minor suspect was arrested late Thursday after Jones was shot multiple times just before 1 p.m. while he was walking along the boardwalk in Christiansted with a friend. Witnesses told police that a man in a dark hoodie approached the two and a brief struggle occurred before shots rang out. Jones died later at Juan F. Luis Hospital. His companion, who was grazed by a bullet, survived.
The suspect, who has not yet been identified because he is a minor, was charged with first-degree murder, multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment, robbery, and firearm and ammunition-related charges.
An arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, and a hearing to determine whether the suspect will be tried as an adult has not yet been set, according to the Justice Department.
Nevin Phillips in Mahogany Run Pro Shop 2009 (Photo by Russel Kirk)
It could have been any year of the 1990s in St. Thomas, or any week. But it was definitely a hot Saturday morning at Mahogany Run Golf Course, where dozens of young Virgin Islanders stood on the practice putting green in red polo shirts.
I know this because I was there. We surrounded a man in golf attire holding a golf club. And holding our close attention.
His energy was electric. Whenever he spoke, you could feel his passion for the game light up our entire group. His voice carried an excitement that drew us young junior golfers in. He smiled as he demonstrated the lesson, and our curiosity turned into joy and inspiration, each of us hanging on to every word he said.
Nevin Phillips teaching junior golfers at Mahogany Run Golf Course. (Submitted photo)
Because this golf lesson was coming from Nevin Phillips, the longtime head golf professional at Mahogany Run Golf Course, and what Nevin shared about golf was “liquid gold.” Not only did you hang on to every word, but after a lesson with Nevin, you felt you could hop on the golf course, play 18 holes and shoot even par. Or, get there one day.
Those days, learning from Nevin and wearing those red junior golf polo shirts feel like yesterday. Nevin, my longtime coach, mentor, trusted friend and colleague with the Virgin Islands Golf Federation, passed away on June 3.
He was the man I called “Coach” for over 35 years. He taught me golf and life lessons. One lesson was when he gave me my first job, folding and steaming golf shirts in the pro shop. In return, I got free practice range balls and a hot dog.
Nevin Phillips and Alli Bourne-Vanneck, cheering on USVI golfer Alex Swayne in Santiago, Chile, 2023 Pan American Games. (Submitted photo)
As a kid in elementary school, I thought this was the perfect gig. But it wasn’t about free golf balls and lunch. By working in the pro shop, Nevin was really teaching me the importance of golf attire and “presentation,” as he said. Because back then, I was showing up to the golf course every day in wrinkled golf clothes. He would joke and call me “Rough dry.” The nickname stuck forever. Even off the golf course. Even when my clothes were properly pressed (with starch).
“Coach” had lessons for all of us junior golfers. He was dedicated to helping us succeed. With his guidance, we did. He helped numerous junior golfers and I soar in golf and become champions of the game. Even as an adult and far removed from competing in college golf and tournaments, he was still “Coach.”
He was “Coach” to many of us golfers over generations. Or he was often called “Zeus,” a nickname from his DJ days in St. Thomas.
But most of all, he was “everything.” He meant everything to his family, friends, colleagues, junior golfers, and numerous people all over the world. He was a devoted son, proud father, and an extraordinary person and friend.
Nevin Phillips with fellow golfers and friends. From left, Art Egger, Jim Hindels, Luis Taylor, and Nevin Phillips (Submitted photo)
The Virgin Islands Golf Federation shared a tribute to Nevin that shares the enormous impact he had on golf in the USVI and the United States. Here’s a portion of it below:
“(Nevin’s) golf journey began in 1980 at Mahogany Run Golf Course, where he started by washing golf carts. But from the start, Nevin was a student of the game. He absorbed everything he could about the golf industry, and through hard work and unwavering dedication, rose to become Head Golf Professional and a proud PGA member. His knowledge was vast, but more than that, he made golf fun and accessible to all.
Nevin Phillips teeing off #14 at Mahogany Run Golf Course. (Submitted photo)
“As Head Pro, Nevin elevated golf in the Virgin Islands. He organized tournaments that united the best players from the USVI and BVI, supported countless nonprofits with charity golf events, and created community through the game he loved. His annual “Nevin and Friends” tournament in the Dominican Republic became a cherished tradition for many, equal parts competition and celebration.
Nevin with the V.I. Golf Federation team in the 2024 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship, Dominican Republic. From left, Kevin O’Connell, Michael Graci, Megan Sweeting, Jarrod Sweeting, Jen Prendegast Orellana, Donald Bough Jr., Nevin Phillips and Joseph Sibilly Jr. (Submitted photo)
“But perhaps Nevin’s greatest passion was youth golf. He led over a thousand junior golf clinics over the years, helping many young Virgin Islanders earn college scholarships and chase their dreams. He believed every child deserves a chance to play, and always ensured clubs and balls were available for those who needed them.
Nevin’s impact reached far beyond our shores. He traveled the world, representing USVI golf with pride — from major tournaments to international Olympic committees and events, bringing visibility and respect to our territory. In 1998, he helped establish the Virgin Islands Golf Federation and secured its place within the Caribbean Golf Association. And in 2009, he made history as the first African-American to win the PGA’s National Merchandiser of the Year award — an honor featured on CBS News, the Golf Channel, and more.”
Nevin Phillips with V.I. Olympic Committee members and V.I. Golf Federation: From left, Brigitte Berry, Alli Bourne-Vanneck, Nevin Phillips, Hugo Hodge Jr., and Angel Morales (Submitted photo)
But Nevin was even more than the game he loved and cherished. Our “coach,” “Zeus,” was larger than life. A man who uplifted every room he walked into. A man who always had a conversation roaring with laughter, with friends or people he’d just met. Whether Nevin was “Roasting” you or himself, one thing was sure. You didn’t want the laughter to stop.
He was a man always active in the community, supporting local youth and attending sporting events. He was always on the go, promoting youth golf in the territory, hanging out with friends, playing dominoes, attending cycling classes with friends at Sweet Fit VI, and of course playing golf as much as he could.
“Coach,” “Zeus,” the lessons you shared from golf to everyday life, they will never be forgotten. Your passion for golf and zest for life will never be forgotten. More importantly, they’ll live on in the USVI and every life you touched. Thank you for making life better. With every swing and shot, thank you for making life better, one lesson at a time.
A civil suit to evict the bar and restaurant St. Thomas Social from Yacht Haven Grande over some $200,000 in unpaid rent and fees has been dismissed, according to court records.
Yacht Haven USVI, LLC attorney Matthew J. Duensing filed the one-page notice of voluntary dismissal, without prejudice, in V.I. Superior Court Tuesday.
The dismissal ends a monthslong saga that played out on social media after news of the lawsuit began circulating online, with St. Thomas Social co-owner Brett “Mac” McClafferty calling it a “fake news story” while promoting the restaurant’s $2 Taco Tuesdays and telling naysayers that the complaint would be dismissed imminently.
According to the suit, Yacht Haven Grande entered into a five-year lease beginning in December 2022, requiring the bar and restaurant to pay base rent and percentage rent calculated from gross receipts on a monthly basis. The complaint states that the restaurant failed to pay those as well as interest, late fees and utility costs totaling $198,272.29.
The restaurant received a notice of default on March 4 and a notice to quit the lease on April 2, which directed it to vacate the premises by May 2, according to the complaint.
Yacht Haven Grande had asked the court to evict St. Thomas Social and order that it pay all related costs.
When contacted by the Source late last month, McClafferty said, “Any disputes between the landlord (IGY/YHG) were resolved over a month ago, and any issues cured. We are proud of our relationship with Yacht Haven Grande and its leadership, and this reporting is an unfortunate publishing an old dispute [sic] that has been resolved. We look forward to continuing our service to the Virgin Islands community and our employment of 36 local Virgin Islanders.”
The restaurant, its parent company Social Hospitality Group and McClafferty — principal of Mac Private Equity and MPE Clearings and Holdings — are the subject of numerous other lawsuits, including several accusing McClafferty of running a “Ponzi scheme” during which he “repeatedly provided false financial information, such as altered screenshots of account balance, and altered or fictious [sic] emails and wire transfer information.”
Mac Private Equity filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in Delaware Bankruptcy Court in March. The company bills itself as “an American off-shore fund” providing “cutting-edge private equity in paradise.”
Palm fronds on a coconut tree in Christiansted, St. Croix, bend in gusty winds Tuesday as rainclouds — and haze — are seen in the distance. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The National Weather Service has explained that Saharan dust will envelop the local islands over the next few days, maintaining a hazy sky. Additionally, gusty winds, choppy seas and precipitation will continue to affect the region.
The Source contacted Ian Carlos Colón-Pagán, a lead meteorologist at the NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to obtain further details about the weather conditions across the area.
Saharan Dust
“A moderate episode of Saharan dust is currently affecting the region and is forecast to persist through at least Thursday night,” Colón-Pagán said. “This will lead to hazy skies, reduced visibility, drier air, and degraded air quality. Temperatures may feel warmer than normal due to a combination of dust, humidity, and light winds, particularly across coastal and urban areas. Lesser concentrations of dust are expected to linger into the weekend,” he continued.
A graphic explaining Saharan dust. (Photo courtesy NWS, San Juan, Puerto Rico)
“For a visual representation of heat-related and other local hazard risks, please refer to the NWS Experimental Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook,” Colón-Pagán stated. “And as always, individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivity to airborne particles are advised to take appropriate precautions,” he advised.
The NWS also noted that gusty winds, caused by a strong area of high pressure over the Atlantic Ocean, will continue to affect the islands. The breezy conditions are expected to generate choppy seas.
“A surface high-pressure system over the Atlantic will promote easterly winds throughout the forecast period, which will be breezy, particularly along coastal areas,” according to an update from the NWS on Tuesday. “The breezy to locally windy conditions will persist, resulting in choppy seas and a moderate risk of life-threatening rip currents along most beaches throughout the week,” the NWS said.
Swimmers are encouraged to understand the risks associated with rip currents, including recognizing how to escape the pull of a rip current if caught in one. Additionally, small craft operators are advised to exercise caution due to hazardous seas over the next few days.
“Moderate to rough seas will continue, and small craft should exercise caution across most waters and local Caribbean passages. Similar conditions will prevail throughout the rest of the week. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop each afternoon, mainly over the western waters of Puerto Rico,” the NWS update continued.
“Beachgoers should be aware that a moderate risk of rip currents will prevail this week along most beaches of Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, mainly driven by breezy to locally windy conditions.”
Tropical Waves
Colón-Pagán shared information regarding several tropical waves that are forecast to pass through the Caribbean this week. At this time, it appears that the waves will stay to the south of the local region.
Visible satellite imagery obtained at 4:40 p.m. AST shows clouds associated with a tropical wave moving through the Caribbean and south of the local islands. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“A tropical wave is currently moving into the eastern Caribbean and is expected to pass south of the local islands between Tuesday and Wednesday,” Colón-Pagán explained. “While the bulk of its moisture is forecast to remain well south of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, some of that moisture may reach the region. This could lead to periods of enhanced shower activity during the midweek period, especially during the afternoon and evening hours,” he acknowledged.
“However, widespread rainfall is not anticipated at this time,” Colón-Pagán clarified. “Instead, we expect a continuation of the typical early summer weather pattern, with brief, isolated showers and possibly a few thunderstorms,” he continued.
The NHC does not expect cyclonic development in the Atlantic or Caribbean within the next seven days. (Photo courtesy NHC)
Colón-Pagán went on to explain that a second tropical wave is expected to pass through the Caribbean later this week.
“Another tropical wave, currently near 45°W longitude, is forecast to move into the eastern Caribbean around Thursday,” Colón-Pagán noted. “Current forecast model guidance suggests that similar to the ongoing wave, the majority of moisture will likely stay well south of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” Colón-Pagán said. “No tropical cyclone development is expected over the next seven days, based on the latest NHC Tropical Weather Outlook.”
Notably, while the Atlantic Basin has been quiet, the Eastern Pacific Basin has been active with tropical activity. Three named storms have formed so far this year in the Pacific Ocean near the south coast of Mexico, and the National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring another area for possible development.
The NHC is monitoring the Eastern Pacific, which has seen three named cyclones develop as of June 10, 2025. (Photo courtesy NHC)
Champion Athletic Performance Academy claims a 1-2 win over FA Shield champions, Rovers SC, in USVISF Men’s Premier League opener. (Photo by Lance P. Chardon II)
Champion Athletic Performance Academy edged out a victory over long-undefeated Rovers SC in the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation Premier League opener Sunday afternoon at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex on St. Croix.
Rovers took control early with reliable scorer Vasco Manuel Palacios Gil finding the back of the net in the 10th minute. CAPA had a more difficult time finding their rhythm with Rabi Abdallah missing a penalty kick at the 19-minute mark, quickly followed by a yellow card for Arthbert William. Yeison Alfredo Gudino Pinto shifted the momentum, scoring CAPA’s first goal to tie the game 1-1 in the 38th minute.
After a red card for Kidaniel Perez and several substitutions early in the second half, Rovers remained unable to regain control. CAPA’s Trevon Thorpe capitalized on a critical scoring opportunity late in the game to end the match in a 1-2 win.
Immediately afterward, USVI soccer fans turned their attention to St. Thomas, where New Vibes SC faced off with Massey Soccer Academy at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. New Vibes dominated the match from the kickoff, with Naqwan Henry scoring the team’s first goal only seven minutes into the first half. A yellow card for Bernado Antoine had little impact on their momentum. Jordan Atemazem closed the second half with a successful penalty kick to secure a 2-0 lead for New Vibes.
Massey Team Official Dale Richards received a yellow card at the close of the first half, followed by a second-half yellow card for Getrau Louis and a red card for Josner Francois. New Vibes also saw their fair share of warnings with Martino Rosier, Max Sonder Joseph and Felix Emmenson all receiving yellow cards in the second half. Jamie Browne and Johson Bazelais maintained New Vibes’ commanding rhythm, scoring two additional goals to end the match in a 4-0 shutout.
Next up in the Men’s Premier League are Helenites SC vs Prankton SC on St. Croix and LRVI FC vs Raymix SC on St. Thomas. Helenites and Prankton will face off at Bethlehem Soccer Complex on Sunday at 4 p.m. The St. Thomas matchup will follow, kicking off at 6 p.m. at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
Stay up to date with this season’s fierce competition by following USVISF on Facebook and Instagram.
A St. Croix man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he cashed fraudulent checks totaling more than $4,000 using another person’s bank account.
According to a police report issued by the V.I. Police Department, detectives from the Economic Crimes Unit began investigating Thomas S. Schoenbohm on July 3, 2024. The investigation revealed that Schoenbohm willfully created or presented three fraudulent checks totaling $4,370 and personally cashed them at Food Town Supermarket on multiple occasions.
On Tuesday at approximately 11:06 a.m., detectives Melissa Rogers and her partner traveled to #74 Union & Mount Washington to execute an arrest warrant. Schoenbohm was located at the residence, served the warrant, and was taken into custody without incident, the police report stated.
He was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Operations Building at #45 Mars Hill, where he was advised of his rights, booked, and charged with obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, and access to computer for fraudulent purposes, the report stated.
Bail was set at $20,000. Schoenbohm was transported to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility, pending his Advice of Rights hearing scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. in V.I. Superior Court, it said.
The Red Hind fish is a grouper found in local waters whose unique red and orange coloring makes it easily identifiable. (Photo courtesy Lee Richter)
The Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park invites children ages 9-15 to submit an application for their second annual Learn to Fish Summer Camp.
The Learn to Fish Summer Camp is a free weeklong immersive program led by instructor and local fisherman Enzo Newhard, who will introduce young anglers to the fundamentals of safe and sustainable fishing. In addition to gleaning hands-on experience, participants will learn about ocean tides, turbidity, and how the behavior of fish varies between species and environmental conditions.
Designed to connect young Virgin Islanders with their natural environment and cultural heritage, the Learn to Fish Summer Camp will also host a series of expert speakers who will cover topics ranging from coral health to environmental conservation.
Mark Gestwicki, the program director at The Friends of the National Park, has seen extensive community interest since the inception of the pilot program in 2024. “I’ve never had so much positive responses from parents about a program since holding this position. I think one of the key factors is that this program is 100% funded and so it is accessible to everyone who has an interest in learning the trade of fishing. Nothing beats the excitement seen on the faces of the kids who get their first reels. While the program is still in its infancy, we have hopes to eventually expand it to include more weeks and more participants,” Gestwicki said.
The majestic Queen Trigger Fish is known for its colorful appearance and is usually found in tropical waters. (Photo courtesy Lee Richter)
Funded by a National Park Foundation grant, this summer camp opportunity opens the door to expose students to conservation, marine biology, and other science-based educational tracks. “You need to instill the love of the resource so children feel compelled to protect it. While we are encouraging them to learn this trade so they may have the ability to source their own food, we are also educating them about the symbiosis of man and the natural world,” Gestwicki said.
The camp will be held over three separate weeks, from June 23 to 27, July 7 to 11, and July 21 to 25. Applicants are eligible to enroll for one week only. Based in Cruz Bay, St. John, each day of the program will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. All fishing equipment will be provided and after successful completion of the program, participants will be gifted their own reel and rod to keep.
Interested participants are encouraged to apply early as spaces are limited. To register or learn more, please contact Gestwicki at mgestwicki@friendsvinp.org or 340-779-4940. Additional details can be found at www.friendsvinp.org.
A father and son were arrested and three loaded firearms were recovered during the execution of a search and arrest warrant Tuesday in connection with an April shooting in Estate Upper Love, St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.
According to the VIPD press release, 23-year-old Elijah Spencer was taken into custody June 10 without incident. Spencer, who was already under house arrest and wearing an ankle monitor for an unrelated matter, is accused of firing at a vehicle with occupants following an argument outside the Front Line nightclub on April 19. The ShotSpotter detection system recorded 13 gunshots in the area, and officers recovered multiple spent casings. No injuries were reported.
Spencer is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first- and third-degree assault, carrying a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime, possession or sale of ammunition, first-degree reckless endangerment, and unauthorized possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $100,000, according to the police report.
During the search of the residence, detectives recovered three loaded firearms and detained Spencer’s father, 41-year-old Tony Elizee. Elizee was subsequently arrested for unauthorized possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $50,000, the police report stated.
Neither man was able to post bail. Both were booked and transported to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility, pending their advice of rights hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in Kingshill Superior Court, the report stated.
A St. Croix bank teller allegedly transferred $100,000 from a 90-year-old customer’s account without his knowledge and used the money to buy a $60,000 car, police said Tuesday. It might not have been the first time.
Jahmaira Farrell, 29, of Barren Spot, faces 21 counts including forgery, grand larceny, passing forged or counterfeited matters, passing or possession of forged bills or notes, embezzlement by fiduciaries, aggravated identity theft, participating in fraud on creditors, access to computer for fraudulent purposes, and financial exploitation of an elderly or dependent adult.
Farrell also faces conspiracy charges for working with a yet-uncharged accomplice, according to court records.
Working as a teller at Oriental Bank, Farrell allegedly created false documents authorizing a manager’s check for $100,000.00 payable to her accomplice, police said.
The accomplice allegedly deposited the check into his Banco Popular de Puerto Rico account before wiring $60,386.49 to Metro Motors Management Incorporation in Delray Beach, Florida, for Farrell’s 2022 blue Acura MDX. This accomplice also allegedly gave Farrell a $30,000 check, which she deposited into her personal Bank of St. Croix account.
The accomplice spent the remaining $9,613.51 from the alleged heist, police said.
“Additional fraudulent checks were discovered to have been cashed against the victim’s account; however, those were determined to fall outside the statute of limitations,” police said.
The statute of limitations on many financial crimes in the Virgin Islands is three years or less.
Farrell was apprehended at the Mars Hill U.S. Post Office Monday. She was advised of her rights, served her arrest warrant, and placed under arrest without incident, police said.
Unable to post $35,000 bail, Farrell was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility.
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources reminds the public of the current annual seasonal closures for Queen Conch, Whelk, Mutton and Lane Snapper, as established by as per VI code title 12, chapter 9a, sections 304 and 316 effective, March 13, 2015, and July 1, 2008, respectively. These harvest prohibitions are in place to protect the populations of these species during critical reproductive periods. This allows the conservation of fished populations and helps sustain and improve the fisheries of the Virgin Islands.
Harvesting of Queen Conch (Aliger Gigas) is prohibited from Sunday, June 1, 2025, through Friday October 31, 2025. The conch season will reopen on Monday, November 1, 2025, and will remain open until Midnight, May 31, 2026. Commissioner Oriol also reminds the public of the currently active seasonal closures for: Whelk/the West Indian Top Snail (Cittarium pica) which commenced on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and will endTuesday, September 30, 2025.
Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) and Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) which commenced on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and will end Monday, June 30, 2025. Harvest and/or possession of these species during the periods listed above are prohibited Territory-wide.
The Commissioner would also like to inform the public of the Mutton Snapper Spawning Aggregation Seasonal Closure Area to the Southwest of St. Croix. Fishing of any kind is prohibited in this seasonal closed area between March 1st and June 30th every year. The closed area is marked by boundary points at the following locations:
A – 17o37.8’N, 64o53.0’W
B – 17o39.0’N, 64o53.0’W
C – 17o39.0’N, 64o50.5’W
D – 17o38.1’N, 64o50.5’W
A – 17o37.8’N, 64o52.5’W
“We ask for everyone’s cooperation to protect Virgin Islands resources for the present and future benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Oriol.
For more information or questions, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at DFWelectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.com or 340-773-1082 (STX Office) or 340-775-6762 (STT Office), the Division of Environmental Enforcement at 773-5774 on St. Croix and 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
