FREDERIKSTED — A 27-year-old Colorado woman was arrested on murder charges after the Jeep she was driving went head on into oncoming traffic and killed one motorist and injured his passenger near the Sunshine Mall early this morning.
Kaley Lund, of Fort Collins and Estate St. George, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, manslaughter and driving without a driver’s license, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
“The female driver of the Jeep Wrangler appeared intoxicated at the scene,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said. “She was given standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed, Derima said. “She was arrested as a result.”
The police investigation into the accident revealed that a silver 2020 Hyundai Elantra was heading eastbound, while a gray 2014 Jeep Wrangler was heading westbound, Derima said.
The Jeep Wrangler crossed into the eastbound lane, causing a head-on collision with the Hyundai Elantra, police said.
The male driver of the Hyundai Elantra, identified as 25-year-old Marvin Barton, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, according to the VIPD.
A female passenger in the vehicle was also injured in the accident, and was transported to the Juan Francisco Luis Hospital & Medical Center for treatment, police said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to a two-car crash that happened shortly before 1:11 a.m. today on the Queen Mary Highway near the Sunshine Mall Shopping Center, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Lund’s bail was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, she was remanded to the custody of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) pending an advice-of-rights hearing.
St. Croix District Chief of Police Sidney Elskoe reminds the community that driving after consuming alcohol is dangerous, and can cause injury or death to yourself or others.
“If you decide to drink, do not drive. Have a designated driver, or find a ride home,” Chief Elskoe said.
Lund said on social media that she received a merit badge from Colorado State University.
“For the second weekend in a row alcohol has been an contributing factor in the cause of a vehicular accident on St. Croix,” Jelani Ritter said on Facebook. “This time it comes with a fatality as a Mothers only Son on his way home from work, tragically lost his life due to a driver under the influence of alcohol and driving at a reckless rate of speed.
“Early this morning at around 1 a.m. in the vicinity of Kmart west, a black Jeep wrangler heading east collided head on with another vehicle traveling west. Ladies and Gentlemen let’s not make this our Narrative this Holiday season.”
“Folks please know your libation limits; friends please please act as designated drivers where neccessary; and most importantly Bartenders, Please do recognize when patrons have had enough, it could be your family member next to be hurt or killed as a result of your professional negligence. In this case a charge of Vehicular Homicide is necessary.”