Tahira Charles was repatriated to the US Virgin Islands on August 1, 2016 after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) identified the man as being wanted for murder in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). Photo: VIC

The Premier's state-owned Cadillac Escalade that became involved in an accident allegedly due to the shooting incident on Wickham's Cay II on July 31, 2016. Photo: Team of Reporters

Charles was repatriated to the USVI on August 1, 2016 after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) identified the man as being wanted for murder in the US Virgin Islands (USVI).

According to the VI Consortium, USVI Superior Court Judge James Carroll III found probable cause to move forward on murder and related charges against Tahira Charles.

Mr Charles, 32, of Bovoni, is charged with one count each of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, third-degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Following his arrest on a warrant signed by USVI Superior Court Judge Kathleen McKay, Mr Charles appeared before Judge Carroll on Wednesday August 3, 2016 for an advice-of-rights hearing.

“I have reviewed the warrant, the probable cause fact sheet and criminal records and I find probable cause for the arrest of Tahira Charles,” the judge said.

After advising Mr Charles of his rights, Judge Carroll told the defendant that he has a right to bail “except when charged with first-degree murder when the proof is evident and the presumption great.”

On the recommendation of Assistant Attorney General Eugene Connor, Jr, Judge Carroll then scheduled a bail/detention hearing for Friday August 5, 2016.

Murder charge

Mr Charles is charged with the murder of Caseam Daniel, who was shot and killed on June 25, 2016 in the area of First Stop Gas station. He was arrested on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 after being shot on Tortola and transported to the USVI for treatment, according to VIPD Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman.

According to an affidavit prepared by Detective Nigel James, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of the gas station where they found Mr Daniel’s bullet-riddled body.

Footage from a surveillance camera showed a black BMW convertible bearing tag number TEF 376 arrive at the gas station with three occupants.  The driver, Devon Grant, exited the vehicle and went into the gas station’s convenience store. Mr. Charles, the front seat passenger, also came out of the vehicle; the third occupant stayed inside the vehicle, Detective James wrote.

Mr Charles walked across the street to the area of Oswald Harris Court, where there was a group of individuals, including Mr. Daniel. Mr. Charles appeared to get into an argument with Mr Daniel. Then, Mr Charles took a gun from his pants and shot Daniel three times, then fled the area.

Based on the accounts of several witnesses and information from a confidential source, police determined that there was probable cause to arrest Mr Charles for Mr Daniel’s murder, according to Mr James’ affidavit.

Mr Charles’ arraignment hearing, at which he will formally answer to the charges, is slated for August 18, 2016.

See link to related story:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/update-man-injured-in-shooting-incident-wanted-in-usvi-for-murder