Erick Abraham Rabsatt, 23, has been extradited to the British Virgin Islands and charged with the murder of Jaimez A.J. Stoutt, 31, who was fatally shot on Dec. 11, 2021, at Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola.
Rabsatt was formally charged on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m., and remains in police custody. He is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court early next week, pending availability. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force confirmed the extradition occurred after he was detained in Miami, and his arrival had been delayed due to a medical emergency. His return was initially scheduled for Aug. 12.
Stoutt, an Afghanistan-deployed U.S. Army veteran and tattoo artist, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2021. His death prompted widespread public grief and calls for an end to gun violence in the territory.
The RVIPF issued an arrest warrant for Rabsatt in January 2022, identifying him as the suspected shooter. The warrant and accompanying suspect details—including a warning that those sheltering him could face charges—were circulated both locally and in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On April 30, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Rabsatt in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Officials said he attempted to flee through steep terrain and required medical attention following his arrest. Images released of the arrest reinforced the commitment to capturing fugitives.
Stoutt was laid to rest with full military honours on Jan. 8, 2022. At the service, friends and family remembered him as a devoted father, artist, and community figure.
In March 2022, community leaders organized a vigil under the theme “Enough is enough: Put the guns down!” to call attention to escalating gun violence. During the event, Stoutt’s mother urged Rabsatt to surrender, and officials used the moment to launch an amnesty drive for the voluntary surrender of firearms.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool said the return and charge of Rabsatt marks “a significant step in delivering justice for the family of Jaimez Stoutt and for the people of this Territory.” She reiterated that “no one is beyond the reach of justice,” and promised continued efforts to protect communities. The RVIPF also thanked the public for its cooperation over the nearly four-year investigation and noted that updates would be provided as the case progresses.