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Crime/Police

Murder Suspect Extradited from BVI to St. Thomas in Joint Operation

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A man wanted in connection with an October 2024 homicide in St. Thomas has been extradited from the British Virgin Islands following a coordinated effort between the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Authorities confirmed that 32-year-old Demare A. Encarnacion was returned to St. Thomas on March 18, 2025, to face charges related to the fatal shooting of Cecil R. Scatliffe, 59.

The case dates back to October 13, 2024, when the 911 Emergency Call Center received an alert from the ShotSpotter Detection System at approximately 3:03 a.m., indicating multiple gunshots on Kronprindsens Gade. Responding officers discovered an unresponsive male with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced the victim deceased at the scene, later identifying him as Scatliffe.

An arrest warrant was issued for Encarnacion on October 17, 2024, charging him with first-degree murder. Authorities pursued the suspect for months until he voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Following his surrender, the RVIPF coordinated with VIPD and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to facilitate his transfer. On March 18, members of the VIPD’s Marine Unit traveled to Tortola, took Encarnacion into custody, and transported him back to St. Thomas. He was formally arrested and charged with murder in the first degree, with bail set at $1,000,000.

Officials have not disclosed further details regarding a potential motive or additional suspects. Encarnacion is expected to appear in court in the coming days.

Crime/Police

Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI

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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.

A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.

Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.

Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.

Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Crime/Police

BVI Sees Spike in Property Damage, Vehicle Thefts, and Assaults in Early 2025

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.

According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.

Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”

The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.

The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.

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Crime/Police

Two Masked Men Arrested Outside BVI Bank; Guns and Ammunition Seized, Police Say

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A early-morning police operation led to the arrest of two masked men and the seizure of a firearm with multiple rounds of ammunition outside a popular bank in the British Virgin Islands, authorities said Thursday.

Officers with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded around dawn to reports of two masked individuals near the bank. Police say the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly captured following a brief foot chase. A firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers’ decisive response, calling the operation “a clear example of our officers’ courage, dedication, and tactical skill.”

“Their quick actions may have prevented a more serious incident from occurring,” Vanterpool said, also thanking the public for their continued trust and support. “Every bit of information helps, and we urge anyone with knowledge that may assist this investigation to come forward.”

The suspects have not yet been identified publicly, and police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (locally) or (284) 800-8477 (from overseas).

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