A suspect in an apparently gang-related strongarm robbery made an initial appearance in Superior Court on Wednesday. Documents related to the case suggest the accused was one of several suspects at the scene of the crime in late October, where four people had jewelry taken from them.
Defendant Omaree Fontaine, 18, is charged with robbery, assault and disturbance of the peace related to an incident near the Paradise Bistro and Bar in Havensight on Oct. 29. Court documents say Fontaine was identified as the person who initiated an altercation between a group of individuals congregating in the area and four passersby walking through a corridor in the shopping complex.
Surveillance recordings showed several individuals dressed in black congregating in the area. Investigators say Fontaine stepped into the path of the pedestrians while others crowded in from behind.
A fight ensued, and one victim later told police his chain and items belonging to his friends were taken during the melee.
Another black-clad individual was seen on the surveillance brandishing a handgun. Police identified him from the footage as Nashai Francis, 19. Francis was dropped off anonymously at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on Dec. 7 with a single gunshot wound. Attempts to save his life by the hospital’s medical team did not succeed.
Fontaine turned himself in on Tuesday after police issued a wanted poster. Superior Court Magistrate Paula Norkadis upheld first- and third-degree assault, third-degree robbery, and disturbance of the peace at Wednesday’s initial hearing.
The defendant was then ordered to appear for arraignment at 10 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2024.
Meanwhile, police are asking the public for their help in investigating the circumstances leading up to Francis’ death. Anyone having any information is being asked to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-774-2211 or the Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449.
Those who wish to share information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or 911.
