Two Dominican Republic men were fatally shot outside Ramon Bar in Huntums Ghut on Friday morning shortly after midnight, police said.
The deceased are 44-year-old Alix Montero Hernandez, who resided in Fahie Hill, and 33-year-old Amancio Vasquez Ramirez, who resided in Sea Cows Bay, according to the Police Information Office.
Police provided no further details about the killings, but the National Security Council held a special meeting on Friday afternoon to consider a report on the incident and the next steps in the investigation, the NSC announced the same day. The council added that it “remains committed to working with the community to improve security and, in the context of its response to the forthcoming law enforcement review, it will develop a strategy to respond effectively to gun crime in the Virgin Islands.”
The governor chairs the NSC, which also includes the premier, the communications and works minister, the attorney general and the police commissioner.
Police said detectives are continuing to investigate and that planned “heightened patrols” will include “house-to-house visits.”
Crime scene visit
Governor Daniel Pruce also visited the crime scene, according to the Police Information Office.
“This is terrible news,” Mr. Pruce said in a police statement. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims. I’m grateful to the [police force] for their quick response, and I ask anyone with any information to contact the police as they take forward their investigation.”
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool offered “deepest sympathies” to the family and friends of the victims.
“We understand the pain and grief this has caused, and the [police force] is fully committed to doing everything possible to solve this crime and bring those responsible to justice,” she said. “We are dedicated to restoring a sense of safety and security in our community.”