ST. THOMAS — V.I.P.D. detectives have identified the victim of a fatal stabbing incident that occurred Saturday at the Oswald Harris Court housing community. Police have also identified a suspect they believe is responsible for the murder.

According to V.I.P.D. Director of Communications Glen Dratte, the victim was identified by next of kin as 39-year-old Laura Blyden of Oswald Harris Court, Building 5.

An investigation into the crime revealed that Ms. Blyden suffered at least one puncture wound to the upper body.

Meanwhile, law enforcement learned that the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Ahjahra Francisa, was in the area of Building 2. Officers pursued the suspect, arrested and charged him with first-degree murder. Bail conditions had not been determined at time of publication.

According to police, the 911 Emergency Call Center at 1:13 p.m. Saturday received notification from a resident at the OHC housing community that a female victim was bleeding from her head.

V.I.P.D. Officers and EMS personnel arrived at the location and observed an unresponsive female victim, and she was pronounced dead on the scene by the medical examiner.

Saturday’s homicide carried the territory’s total to 32 for the year, 23 on St. Croix and 9 in the St. Thomas-St. John District, according to the V.I.P.D.

The Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to call the V.I.P.D.’s Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449. You may also send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.

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