Scene of the Walter IM Hodge shooting on the night of Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Photo: VIC

The V.I. Police Department reported that the incident was first flagged by several emergency calls to St. Croix's 911 Emergency Call Center at approximately 6:12 p.m., alerting authorities to the scene of a male victim with critical injuries.

Responding officers found the young man lying on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency responders transported him to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for urgent medical care, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The VIPD has identified the deceased as Errol Stephen St. Jean, following confirmation from his next of kin. His death marked the 16th on St. Croix for 2024. The St. Thomas-St. John district has already recorded 18 homicides for the year, bringing the territory's total so far to 34.

Shooting being investigated

The VIPD's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Authorities are appealing to the community for assistance, urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact 911, the Major Crimes Unit at (340) 778-2211, or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8476 (TIPS), or online.