August 29, 2004 – St. Croix resident Miles H. David, 43, has been charged in the death of Keinan Dover, 22. Dover was a passenger in David's 1989 red Toyota pickup truck when the vehicle was involved in a one-car accident on Melvin Evans Highway in the early morning hours of June 10.
David, a resident of Estate Peter’s Rest, was arrested on a warrant on Aug. 26. He faces four charges – negligent homicide by means of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, speeding and driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
Unable to post a $100,000 bond, he was remanded to the Golden Grove Correctional Facility.
Sgt. Thomas Hannah, police spokesman, said the investigation into the incident indicates that the vehicle was traveling at least 30 miles over the posted speed limit and flipped over causing the death of the victim. The investigation also revealed that David was intoxicated when he and Dover left a Frederiksted nightclub shortly after 3 a.m.
An affidavit by Keith Williams, traffic investigation officer, stated that Dover told David that he was too drunk to drive and the two got into an argument over the keys. According to the affidavit, witnesses at the nightclub told police that Dover had possession of the keys but David got a rifle out of his vehicle, pointed it at Dover and demanded his keys. Subsequently, David and Dover got into the vehicle and drove off.
Investigation revealed that the truck was traveling east on Melvin Evans Highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to strike the median near the Good Hope intersection. The vehicle flipped over, landed upside down in the westbound lane and burst into flames. David was able to get Dover out of the vehicle before it caught on fire, however Dover died three days later as a result of brain injuries.
Asheem Charles, another passenger riding in the back of the pick up truck, was able to jump out before the vehicle flipped. Charles sustained minor injuries.
Police were unable to find the rifle in the vehicle and surmised that it may have been destroyed in the fire that destroyed the vehicle.
Deputy Chief Herminio Velazquez said the department is determined to make the roads safer for residents and urged drivers, "to slow down, don’t drink and drive, and more importantly, to use all due care when operating a motor vehicle." Velazquez said anyone involved in an accident that causes the death of another would be prosecuted. He asked the public "to come forward with any information you may have concerning this and other incidents in the Territory."
The public can call the Criminal Investigation Bureau in St. Croix at 778-2211, extension 4531, 4535 or call 911. "Any information will be held in the strictest of confidence and a reward may be offered to you for information you provide," added Velazquez.
St. Croix has recorded several road deaths this year. Fatalities this year include:
– June 1, 9-year-old Simmonique Bristol died after being struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of the Manor School.
– April 17, the body of 62-year-old Wilfredo Figueroa was found days after a vehicle in the vicinity of Estate Blessing struck him.
– March 19, 46-year-old Ervin Santiago died after being struck by a hit and run driver in the vicinity of the Container Port intersection on Melvin Evans Highway.
– March 6, 44-year-old Wayland Harris died after being struck by a vehicle while walking near the Five Corners intersection in La Grande Princess.
– Feb. 22, 68-year-old Julian St. Brice died three days after being struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of Estate Calquehoun.
"Other arrests are coming through once the paperwork is completed," said Hannah.
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