Crime
USVI Witnesses 30th Homicide of 2023: Unresponsive Man Discovered with Gunshot Wounds in St. Thomas; Victim Named

ST. THOMAS — The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) has sadly marked another grim milestone, recording its 30th homicide for the year 2023, as confirmed by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) on Sunday.
On the preceding Saturday, around 11:28 pm, a concerned local reported hearing gunshots near the Concrete Bar on Turpentine Run Road to the 911 emergency hotline. Responding to the urgent call, officers from the Mariel C. Newton Command rushed to the specified location. Upon reaching, they found a man unresponsive in the roadway, displaying clear signs of gunshot wounds.
Emergency Medical Technicians arrived swiftly at the scene and, by 11:41 pm, they ascertained the absence of any vital signs in the male victim, who was later identified by his next of kin as 39-year-old Archie Perry Jr.
This incident brings the total number of homicides in the territory to 30 for the year 2023, with St. Thomas contributing to 16 of these tragic occurrences and St. Croix accounting for the remaining 14.
Authorities are actively seeking any information that could shed light on this incident and are encouraging individuals with relevant knowledge to come forward. Those with pertinent information can contact the Major Crimes Unit directly at 340-642-8449, call 911, or anonymously report to Crime Stoppers through this link.
The community is grappling with the escalating violence and is looking to law enforcement and community leaders for solutions to curb the rising tide of crime. The loss of life has left families grieving and communities in fear, prompting a call for unity and action to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence.
The law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and are working in collaboration with community organizations to implement preventive measures and support services for those affected by violence. The focus is on fostering a sense of security and well-being among the residents while ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
The USVI community is urged to remain vigilant and to cooperate with the authorities in their investigations, providing any information that can aid in solving these crimes and preventing further loss of life. The collective effort of the community, law enforcement, and local leaders is crucial in restoring peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the tragic surge in homicides in the USVI emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat crime and violence. The collaboration between the community, law enforcement, and other stakeholders is pivotal in addressing the root causes of violence and in creating a safer environment for all residents. The resolve and unity of the USVI community will be instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by the prevailing crime situation.
Crime
Wahilli James Sentenced for Role in RICO Enterprise Led by Incarcerated Paul Girard

In a significant development, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Virgin Islands announced the sentencing of Wahilli James, aged 28, to a six-year prison term for his involvement in a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), masterminded by Paul Girard from his prison cell.
U.S. Attorney Delia Smith, who made the announcement, detailed James’s admission of guilt in two high-stakes armed robberies. These crimes occurred in St. Thomas and St. Croix, orchestrated as part of the Girard-led RICO enterprise.
Court records revealed a chilling account of the first incident on September 16, 2013. James, alongside accomplices, targeted Gems and Gold Corner Jewelry in St Thomas. The group executed a harrowing heist, with an assailant threatening the owner at gunpoint while James and the others looted a significant cache of jewelry.
The second incident, on November 21, 2013, saw James and his cohorts striking “They Say Bar” in St. Croix. Disguised with face masks and armed, they conducted the robbery. Tragically, during this event, the bar’s owner suffered a gunshot wound to the head from one of the robbers while attempting to thwart their entry.
Judge Savage, acknowledging James’s time already served, adjusted his 72-month sentence accordingly. Additionally, James is mandated to compensate $161,350.00 in restitution.
This case, a result of diligent efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Edwards, along with Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Marie Zisa of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
The successful resolution of this case is part of the broader strategy of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. This program aims to neutralize high-level criminal threats including drug trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational criminal activities by employing a comprehensive, multi-agency, intelligence-driven approach. The OCDETF program unifies the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat these sophisticated criminal networks.
Crime
VIPD Apprehends Two Suspects Following Vehicle Chase and Shooting; Search for Third Suspect Underway

ST. THOMAS – In a swift response to a 911 alert, VIPD officers engaged in a high-speed chase on Thursday afternoon in St. Thomas, following a report of a vehicle being driven recklessly by three masked individuals.
Beginning around 3:04 p.m. near Judy Gomez Highway in the Altona & Welgunst vicinity, the pursuit involved a vehicle reported as stolen. VIPD quickly mobilized after receiving a call about the vehicle’s hazardous driving.
The chase progressed to the Mafolie region, where the suspects, attempting to escape, drove the stolen car through a police checkpoint, resulting in damage to two vehicles, the VIPD informed the Consortium.
The situation intensified near Louisenhoj Castle, where shots were fired at the officers in pursuit, as confirmed by Glen Dratte, the VIPD Director of Communications. Subsequently, a male with a gunshot wound, identified as one of the suspects, was found in a nearby yard. He was apprehended by VIPD and received medical attention at Schneider Regional Medical Center.
The incident also led to the capture of a second suspect, who was likewise hospitalized for treatment. VIPD is actively searching for the third suspect, believed to be in the Hull Bay area.
The police have described the ongoing situation as dynamic and continue to work diligently. They are encouraging residents to stay alert and report any unusual activities in their neighborhoods to 911.
Updates on this evolving situation will be provided as they become available, ensuring the community stays informed.
Crime
Passenger Detained for Marijuana Possession at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport

In a recent incident at St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, Rayjon Ali faces serious legal consequences for attempting to transport marijuana. This case unfolded on the evening of December 3, when Ali, arriving on a Spirit Airlines flight from Philadelphia with a stopover in Fort Lauderdale, was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
The detection of the drugs was aided by narcotics-sniffing dogs, which signaled the presence of a controlled substance in a hardshell suitcase tagged to Ali. Upon inspection in a secondary area by CBP officers, Ali’s suitcase was found to contain $3,310 in U.S. currency and three bags of a green leafy substance. This substance later tested positive for marijuana, weighing in at 957 grams.
Ali, during a preliminary interview with a Department of Homeland Security Special Agent, admitted his awareness of the wrongdoing but claimed his motive was to earn money quickly. Despite this initial admission, he refrained from giving an official statement. Consequently, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The subsequent legal proceedings, including Ali’s advice of rights hearing, were presided over by Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross. During this hearing, a bail with a cash component of $750 was set. Further details of the hearing and the case are pending public release.
-
Education4 months ago
CTE Board Enthusiastic About New Curriculum Standards, Yet Anxious Over Apprenticeship Support
-
Crime2 months ago
St. John’s Westin Resort Scene of Armed Robbery, Prompting Heightened Police Vigilance
-
Crime4 months ago
Registered Sex Offender Detained for Illegal Firearm Possession During Annual Surveillance Drive
-
Crime4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands Alert: Megan Smith Goes Missing; Authorities Request Community Aid
-
Crime4 months ago
Unraveling the Home Invasion in St. John: Suspect Held on $100,000 Bail
-
Health4 months ago
Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Announces Temporary Visitation Restriction for August 20, 2023
-
Accidents4 months ago
Tragic Collision on Queen Mary Highway: VIPD Reveals Victim’s Identity
-
Sports4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Delegation Confirmed for World Athletics Championships in Budapest