July 2, 2005 — According to a press release issued Saturday by the V.I. Police Department, a second suspect — a 17-year-old black male residing at #97 Estate Anna's Fancy in St. Thomas — has been arrested in connection with the murders of Tristan A. Charlier and Leon H. Roberts, which occurred in the early morning hours of June 15 near the Frenchtown Post Office. (See "Police Identify Slain New Yorkers, Continue Investigation.")
According to the release, the minor is a sibling of 20-year-old Jahmal Hart, the first murder suspect in the case, who was arrested Friday afternoon. (See "20-Year-Old Man Arrested in Double Homicide.")
The second suspect, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was arrested by the VIPD's Major Crime Squad on Saturday at approximately 10 a.m. at the Alexander Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex in Charlotte Amalie. The minor has been charged with first-degree murder.
According to the press release, witnesses positively identified the 17-year-old as the second shooter in the murders of Charlier and Roberts.
The minor is currently being held without bail pending an advice of rights hearing to be held before the Family Division of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Because the case is still under investigation, VIPD officials added that they were unable to provide any additional details on the case. However, it was noted that the families of both victims have been notified of Hart's arrest and are being continually updated on the investigation's progress.
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