The deceased 16-year-old boy was found shot multiple times, his body left lifeless in a vehicle near the old Queen Mary Highway Service Station and the JV Car Wash in Mount Pleasant. Photo: VI Consortium

The victim, identified as Amon Walcott, was found shot multiple times in the upper body in a vehicle near the old Queen Mary Highway Service Station and the JV Car Wash in Mount Pleasant, the VIPD said.

The report came in around 6:12 pm on June 10, 2023, when a concerned citizen alerted the 911 of the unresponsive teenager. Despite the quick response and immediate attention by emergency response personnel, Walcott had succumbed to his injuries by the time they arrived on the scene. An investigation into his death is now underway.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar tragedy on the neighboring island of St Thomas on Friday, June 9. Sixteen-year-old Leroy Corneilus Jr was found shot inside the Gottlieb Quickway Service Center. He was pronounced dead just 11 minutes after the initial emergency call was made at approximately 9:39 p.m.

Community 'in shock'- VIPD

"Our community is in shock and mourning following the tragic deaths of two 16-year-old males," said [US]VI Police Department Acting Commissioner Mario Brooks in a statement. "These heinous crimes have no place in our community. The loss of any life is a tragedy, but it is especially gut-wrenching and heartbreaking when it happens to someone so young."

Brooks emphasised the need for community unity and action to counter these acts of violence, and implored residents to come forward with any information. He added, "Our silence only allows these senseless acts of violence to continue, and it is up to each and every one of us to take a stand and do our part to keep our community safe."

These homicides bring the territory's total for 2023 to 20, with ten on St Thomas and ten on St Croix. No suspects are currently in custody.