A 22-year-old St. Croix man was sentenced for murder, Attorney General Denise George said Monday.
Jumanie Forde was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for the murder of Angel Ayala, according to a news release from the Attorney General’s Office.
On Aug. 30, 2019, police responded to a 911 call regarding a gunshot wounded victim in the Candido Guadalupe Housing Community on St. Croix. Officers found Ayala wounded and Forde in the custody of concerned citizens, according to court documents. Police detained Forde, and Ayala was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation revealed that Forde walked up on Ayala and several others and demanded he give him everything he had, and fired one shot that wounded Ayala, according to Monday’s release.
On Nov. 2, Forde pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
“Justice has finally been served. I commend our DOJ prosecution team and truly hope this sentencing provides some degree of comfort and closure to Mr. Angel Ayala’s loved ones,” said George.
