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