ST. CROIX — The possible suicide of a police officer assigned to the governor’s security detail, two confirmed hangings, and a homicide in Frederiksted marked a tragic weekend on St. Croix.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating the possible suicide of a police officer from Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s security detail who was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound to the head after crashing his vehicle into the bay Saturday at the entrance to Salt River Marina, according to a police spokesperson.
Janlee Cruz, who graduated from the VIPD Peace Officer Recruit Training Class on October 23, 2023 as a member of the Executive Security Unit, was a “cherished team member” at Government House on St. Croix who died Saturday, Government House announced today.
As a member of the ESU, Government House noted that Cruz was a dedicated protector and a valued colleague whose unwavering commitment and vibrant spirit brought a unique energy to the workplace.
“Janlee approached his duties with a noticeable enthusiasm, a bright smile, and a readiness to serve,” according to Government House. “His dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of those he worked with was evident in everything he did, and his positive attitude was a constant source of encouragement for all of us. We all feel his loss.”
Jason Henry, St. Croix Rescue acting chief, said his team received a call from a 911 dispatcher Saturday afternoon indicating a vehicle ran off the road and into the water at Salt River Bay with someone still inside.
“He ran into the Salt River Marina into the water by the boats directly,” Henry said. “He drove off the road, and the vehicle went into the actual yard of the marina and into the water.”
A concerned citizen who witnessed a vehicle crash into Salt River Bay reported the accident at 1:54 p.m. before towing the vehicle from the water and discovering an unresponsive Hispanic man with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, Glen Dratte, VIPD communications director, said. He said Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services found no signs of life, noting the man was pronounced dead at 2:04 p.m.
Dratte said police are investigating the death at Salt River as a possible suicide, noting the matter is pending autopsy for final determination.
Additionally, Dratte confirmed that two, middle-aged Caucasian men committed suicide by hanging. He said one occurred Friday in Sweet Lime Villas at the Carambola Golf Course, while the other occurred Saturday in Estate St. John.
After police made contact with the wife of the man who died at Sweet Lime Villas, she said she left with their toddler after an argument to later return and discover her husband, police announced today. After seeking assistance from her neighbors, CPR was performed until VIFEMS arrived.
When police arrived at the scene in Estate St. John, they observed the man on the floor as his wife was performing CPR, according to police. She said she found him, immediately called 911, and began CPR, which she performed until VIFEMS arrived.
Police are also investigating the homicide of 19-year-old Errol Stephen St. Jean, who was shot in the head Friday evening at Walter I.M. Hodge Pavillion housing community.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received several calls about a man who got shot in the head at 6:12 p.m. Friday, according to police. Upon arrival on the scene, police officers discovered St. Jean on the ground. He was transported to the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, where he died.
Criminal Investigative Bureau detectives are investigating St. Jean’s death. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact 911, the Major Crimes Unit at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8476.
This article has been updated upon confirmation with the VI Police Department to clarify the location of the suicide in Estate St. John was not at St. C Condominiums as originally announced by the VIPD.
