The British Virgin Islands has recorded its first homicide of 2026 following a fatal shooting in the Huntums Ghut area during the early hours of Monday, July 6.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed that officers are investigating the incident after a male victim sustained gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for emergency medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

Guavaberry Media understands the victim to be a 25 year old male.

Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.

The fatal shooting marks the Territory’s first homicide of the year, ending a period during which law enforcement had reported no murders in the Virgin Islands in 2026. The death also raises renewed concerns about gun violence, despite continued police efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets. Earlier this year, the RVIPF reported several successful firearm seizures, noting that illegal guns had been linked to recent violent crimes.  

Investigators have launched a full homicide investigation and say further information will be released as it becomes available.

The RVIPF is appealing to members of the public who may have information about the shooting to contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9512. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477.

Police are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward as detectives work to determine the circumstances surrounding the Territory’s first killing of 2026.