FREDERIKSTED — A 79-year-old St. Croix man has been charged with negligent homicide after he struck and killed a teenage boy while driving near an elementary school last month.
The driver, Laurely E. Henry, was arrested on a bench warrant signed by a Superior Court judge issued Thursday charging him with negligent homicide, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Brendel William, 14, a student at John H. Woodson Junior High School, died at a hospital in Puerto Rico the same day he was hit by Henry, after suffering serious internal injuries in the accident, according to the VIPD.
Henry was driving a black SUV near Alfredo Andrews Elementary on May 6 when it turned off of Mon Bijou Road, hit one car in front of him and then careened off of that car into William.
Police said William was walking on a grassy area in front of the school when he was struck by Henry’s vehicle.
“The vehicle then proceeded onto the school’s property,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said. “The boy sustained internal damages and was airlifted to a San Juan , Puerto Rico medical center for further treatment for his injuries sustained from the accident.”
Bail was set at $30,000. Henry was released on his own recognizance after posting bail.
