St. Croix Police are investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Kahmal Simmonds in the early hours of Saturday morning. Another 21-year-old man was injured during the shooting. Police said more than 50 spent shell casings were recovered at the crime scene.
It was the 12th homicide on St. Croix since the beginning of the year, the 22nd in the territory. Last year by this time there had been 13 homicides on St. Croix, and 19 in the territory.
Patrol officers from the Ancilmo Marshall Command were on routine patrol in Christiansted town just a few minutes before 3 a.m. Saturday, May 19, when they heard gunshots in the area of the Christian Hendricks Vegetable Market. Officers said they saw at least two vehicles speed away from the scene and several parked vehicles that were damaged by gunshots.
The officers were told two gunshot victims were taken in private vehicles to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment. The medical staff pronounced Simmonds dead at about 3:15 a.m. The second victim had gunshot wounds on his left hand, lower back and buttocks. He has not been identified.
A black handgun believed to be used in the shooting was recovered by police. The gun will undergo ballistic and forensic testing.
The investigation into this case remains active and detectives urge anyone who has additional information regarding this case to call 712-6077, 712-6037 or you can call the anonymous tip line, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.
