Dec. 30, 2007 — Police Officer Jeffrey Browne and Luis "Gulio" Melendez, both St. Croix residents, were arrested Sunday in connection with a Christmas morning shooting spree that took place at JFK Housing Community's building No. 5.
The shooting incident resulted in the deaths of Allen Burke, 18, of Estate Anna's Hope, and Kennyetta McIntosh, 33, of No. 6 East Street, Christiansted. Four other victims sustained various gunshot wounds and have since been treated and released from Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Spent ammunition casings from three "different types of weapons" were recovered from the scene, according to a news release issued Sunday evening. Police have said they suspect up to 30 rounds of ammunition were discharged during the incident.
Charges against Browne and Melendez — who are being held without bail pending an advice-of-rights hearing scheduled for Monday in V.I. Superior Court — include two counts each of first-degree murder, four counts each of attempted murder and four counts each of first-degree assault, along with weapons and ammunition charges.
Browne has been on sick leave from the VIPD for the past five months, and since his arrest has been placed on administrative leave without pay, according to the news release. Melendez was also charged Sunday with attempted murder in connection with another shooting incident that occurred last month at Bethlehem Village.
Another 17-year-old suspect was arrested at a traffic stop soon after the incident occurred and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. He has been remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center on St. Croix. (See "Violence Mars Christmas." )
Any facts or documents relating to the case — including the case file — are currently under seal as the investigation into both Browne and Melendez continues, explained Police Commissioner James H. McCall Sunday evening.
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