ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — The U.S. Virgin Islands is once again confronting the devastating impact of gun violence following the fatal shooting of veteran Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Officer Eustace Charles, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in Williams Delight early Sunday morning.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the Territory’s law enforcement community and comes amid continuing concerns over violent crime and the growing number of firearm-related homicides across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Officer Charles, 51, served in the VIPD’s Executive Security Unit, where he was assigned to the security detail of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach.
According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, the 911 Emergency Call Center received reports of gunfire in the Williams Delight area at approximately 5:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 26.
Responding officers discovered Charles unresponsive inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced him dead at the scene.
Commissioner Mourns Fallen Officer
Police Commissioner Mario Brooks described the officer’s death as a tragic loss for both the department and the Territory.
“We offer our deepest, most sincere condolences to Officer Charles’ family, loved ones and friends during this unimaginable time of grief,” Brooks said. “We extend those same heartfelt condolences to his brothers and sisters within the Virgin Islands Police Department family. Officer Charles served his community with honour and dedication, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Commissioner also issued a direct appeal to the individual responsible for the killing.
“To the suspect currently at large, I only have three words for you: turn yourself in,” Brooks said. “We will not rest, we will not slow down, and we will use every resource available until we catch you.”
FBI Joins Investigation
The Virgin Islands Police Department confirmed that the investigation is being conducted jointly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as detectives work to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact 911 or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Gun Violence Continues to Challenge the Territory
Officer Charles’ killing comes against the backdrop of persistent gun violence across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to figures presented by the Virgin Islands Police Department during its 2025 annual crime review, the Territory recorded 35 homicides in 2025—19 in the St. Thomas-St. John District and 16 on St. Croix. Police also reported that 15 of the 16 homicides on St. Croix were committed with firearms, underscoring the continuing role of illegal guns in violent crime.
The violence has continued into 2026, prompting law enforcement officials to publicly acknowledge an increase in shootings and homicide investigations. During a recent public briefing, VIPD leaders described gun violence as one of the Territory’s most pressing public safety challenges and pledged to intensify enforcement efforts in collaboration with federal partners.
Research has consistently shown that the U.S. Virgin Islands experiences one of the highest firearm homicide rates among U.S. jurisdictions, with illegal firearms remaining a significant driver of violent crime.
The death of Officer Charles marks another painful chapter for the Virgin Islands Police Department, which has previously lost officers in the line of duty, including Detective Delberth Phipps Jr., who was fatally shot in 2023.
As investigators continue their search for the person responsible, the killing has renewed calls for stronger measures to combat gun violence and remove illegal firearms from the Territory’s streets.