KINGSHILL — Police say a St. Croix man cutting the grass at a housing project was gunned down by a man dressed all in black on Wednesday morning.
Jorge Luis Saldana, 24, of Aureo Diaz Heights, was positively identified by next of kin as the homicide victim, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received reports at 9:40 a.m., of shots fired and a man down in Bethlehem Village which is in Estate Profit on St. Croix.
Police traveled to the area and observed the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body lying on the ground in front of an apartment, according to the VIPD.
Officers on the scene provided emergency medical care until EMS arrived. Upon EMS arrival they continued providing medical services and transported the victim to the Juan Luis Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, however Saldana later succumbed to his injuries.
“Preliminary investigation reveals the victim was at work cutting grass in the housing community when he was approached by a man, who was dressed in all black with his face covered, who then shot him multiple times before fleeing the area,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.
Many people expressed their condolences to the family of Saldana on Wednesday afternoon.
“Very sad another family to suffer condolences to his family n friends,” Marsha Lewis said on Facebook.
“R.I.P That man is not from Aureo Diaz ,,he from old bug I know he that’ fisherman,” Jahrule Gmash Dan said.
“My sister and I saw him just yesterday. RIP Jorge. Condolences to the family…” Daina Charmain Frederick said.
“He ain’t from Aureo Diaz!! I know he ,,R.I.P.” Jahrule Gmash Dan added.
“When does it end if they would only understand the pain n suffering they cause to so many families of both the victim and the criminal cause really everyone suffers but none suffer more than those who have had a family member murdered for every time,” Marsha Lewis added “They hear of someone being shot or killed it takes them right back to that horrible day it was their own,”
“The VIPD continues to express gratitude to the community’s partnership working together in trying to keep our communities safe.”
This fatal shooting is part of an ongoing investigation, CIB Detectives are asking anyone with information to call 911, CIB Tip-Line at 340-778-4850 or Crime Stopper s VI at 1-800-222-8477.