Crime & Safety
Arrests Made In Shoot-Out That Injured 11-Year-Old Girl
"We weren't going after individuals who were choir boys," said Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor.
ST. CROIX, USVI — On May 13, three men were arrested and charged in connection with the April 19th shooting on St. Croix that left two people dead and injured an 11-year-old child.
Be the first to know. Click here to get U.S. Virgin Island Patch's free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.
Gilberto Rivera, Jr., age 30, Luis A. Rivera, age 36, and Jameel Williams, age 27, all of the Aureo Diaz Heights housing community, were arrested and charged with First Degree Murder in the deaths of 33-year-old Michael Ramos and 38-year old Juan Velasquez on April 19 in Aureo Diaz Heights.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The case has received a fair level of scrutiny because of the child victim and because of the recent spike in violence on St. Croix. Another shooting occurred at the Cash & Carry store in Estate La Reine on the same night. Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor vowed to put additional resources towards the case and promised swift arrests. The Virgin Islands Police Department worked with the following federal agencies to make the arrests: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Customs & Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), US Marshals Service, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
The incident happened on the night of the 19th in the Aureo Diaz Heights housing community. Police believe an argument led to an exchange of gunshots. Four people were injured, two of whom, Michael Ramos and Juan Velasquez, died from their injuries. It is believed the 11-year-old child was struck while playing on a nearby playground.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are two more suspects at large. According to the VIPD, one of them was injured in the incident and police are aware of his whereabouts. Police said that the fourth suspect has left the territory but they are also aware of his whereabouts.
The three arrested men were unable to post bail and are in the custody of the Bureau of Corrections.
Before you go:
- Send a news tip or correction to: ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com
- Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter.
- Interested in showcasing your business on Patch? Email: ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.