June 26, 2001 — Police on Monday found the burnt-out vehicle of Cpl. Wendell "Lazee" Williams, a colleague missing on St. Croix for almost two weeks.
Officers have been searching on St. Croix for several days for clues to Williams’ disappearance. On Monday afternoon, an officer discovered the burned hulk of Williams’ black Suzuki Vitara in the bush near Castle Burke. St. Croix Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said that spent shell casings of a high-powered weapon were also found in the vicinity of the vehicle.
With the discovery of the vehicle, Francis said, the investigation is being intensified.
"We have moved from a missing person report to a criminal investigation," Francis said.
Williams, 47, an 18-year veteran of the force, has been missing since June 14. At a press conference early Monday, police officials said they have alerted officers to use extreme caution while on duty in light of the Williams case and the shooting of an officer on St. Thomas early in June.
Williams, of Peter's Rest on St. Croix, is described as a black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. Family members last saw him when he and his sister drove another relative to the Henry R. Rohlsen Airport.
Anyone with information about Williams is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 778-4950 or emergency number 911.
