CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Police are investigating after a female stabbing victim died in east downtown St. Thomas housing project on Saturday afternoon.
Ahjahra Francis, 37, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
A concerned citizen called 911 at 1:13 p.m. and reported that a female was lying in the archway of building 5 of Oswald Harris Court (OCH) in Charlotte Amalie East and that she appeared to be bleeding from the head, according to the VIPD.
When police arrived at OHC Building 5 officers discovered a black female who appeared to be unresponsive.
Emergency Medical Technicians also responded to the scene and checked the woman for signs of life, police said. At 1:23 p.m., the Medical Examiner concluded that the female did not have any vital signs.
The victim was identified by next of kin as 39-year-old Laura Blyden of Oswald Harris Court
Building 5, VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.
“Investigation revealed that Ms. Blyden suffered at least one puncture wound to the upper
body,” according to Dratte.
Law enforcement received a tip that the suspect was in the area of Building 2 of Oswald Harris
Court. Officers intersected with Francis and took him into custody.
Bail for Francis will be determined at an advice-of-rights hearing. Typically, it is $1 million dollars for a first-degree murder charge.
Anyone having any information about this incident, contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at (340-774-2211) or the Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
