FREDERIKSTED — A St. Croix woman faces an assault charge after police said she slashed her cousin’s head with a “brass knuckle knife,” authorities said.
Donna Emmanuel, 35, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault-domestic violence, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
On April 21, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Donna Emmanuel was arrested for allegedly assaulting her cousin on April 20, 2025, according to the VIPD.
VIPD mug shot of Donna Emmanuel of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
“The incident involved the use of a “brass-knuckle” knife, which resulted in a laceration to the victim’s head,” VIPD spokeswoman Sakeeda Freeman said.
The victim was subsequently transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
The victim’s close friend was present during the altercation and observed Ms. Emmanuel wielding the knife and inflicting the injury on the victim.
Ms. Emmanuel faces charges of Assault in the Third Degree and Domestic Violence.
Representative photo of a “brass knuckle knife.”
A brass knuckle knife is a type of knife that usually has an enlarged handle protruding from the end that may be strapped or riveted to the wrist. The weapon is designed for hand-to-hand combat.
As per the territory’s domestic violence statutes, Emmanuel was not offered bail.
The suspect was transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility in Golden Grove.
Emmanuel was scheduled for an advice-of-rights hearing at Superior Court in Kingshill this morning.
