Dec. 12, 2008 — Police are offering a combined $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and capture of one or more suspects in a fatal shooting incident at Tutu Park Mall that claimed the lives of 28-year-old Levi Benjamin and 22-year-old Antonio Escobar.
Benjamin and Escobar were shot while they were leaving the mall's rear entrance around 4:15 p.m. Thursday by one or more persons that followed them out, according to Police Commissioner James H. McCall. Both victims were hit several times and were later transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center, where they died within hours of each other.
Benjamin died late Thursday, while Escobar died early Friday morning, according to a V.I. Police Department news release.
"We know there were witnesses there, and we would like for them to come forward with whatever information they have," McCall said Friday, adding that the identity of any person that chooses to come forward will remain anonymous.
Police are currently following up on some "solid leads" that could help them nab the suspects and also have in custody two vehicles thought to be connected to the incident, according to the statement.
The rewards offered were $10,000 for information on Benjamin's murderer and $10,000 for information on Escobar's murderer.
Residents with information on this or any other murder are urged to call VIPD's Major Crime Unit at 715-5522, 715-5514 or emergency 911.
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