Local News

ShotSpotter Alert Leads to Discovery of 43rd Homicide Victim in USVI

21 December 2024
This content originally appeared on The Virgin Islands Consortium.
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ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating a fatal shooting that took place on Wednesday night in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas. The incident, which resulted in the death of 34-year-old Kamoui Francis, was reported after multiple gunshots were detected by the ShotSpotter system.

According to the police report, at approximately 9:23 p.m. on December 18, Central Dispatch received an alert from ShotSpotter indicating that gunfire had erupted in the Hospital Ground area. Responding officers arrived on the scene shortly afterward and discovered a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency Medical Technicians assessed the victim and confirmed that he was unresponsive, with no vital signs. The time of death was determined to be around 9:02 p.m. The deceased was later identified by his next of kin as Kamoui Francis.

This shooting marks the 43rd homicide in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 2024, with 23 occurring on St. Thomas and 20 on St. Croix.

As of now, no suspect has been identified in connection with the shooting. The VIPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Community members can contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at (340-774-2211) or reach out to the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Major Crimes Division at (340-714-9823, 340-714-9828, or 340-714-9829). Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, or online here.