Jan. 5, 2008 — A 21-year-old St. Croix man became the territory's first murder victim of the year early Saturday.
St. Croix Police Chief Thomas Hannah said Saturday that the victim, Edwin Dukes of Estate Concordia West, was killed shortly before 1 a.m. at Frederiksted Beach. The area is just a stone's throw from the Festival Village, Huntville, and across the street from the Children's Village, where another young man was killed last year, marring the end of an otherwise crime-free festival.
But Hannah emphasized the public should feel secure "because we have cameras installed for security and to keep the grounds under constant surveillance."
"Our officers will be out in full force, as they have been throughout festival, and we will do everything humanly possible for their safety and security," he said. "This unfortunate incident occurred outside the Festival Village, but we are asking people to continue to be vigilant while parking their cars and as they go about enjoying festival."
Hannah said police have no suspects or motive in the killing.
Hannah is urging witnesses to come forward to help apprehend Dukes' killer and reminded the public that police investigations often come to a quicker close when witnesses come forward.
Police are asking anyone who may have information on this or any other crimes to contact police at 778-4950 or dial 911.
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