ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday afternoon in the Altona area of St. Thomas, claiming the life of 32-year-old Mario Lugo Florentino, according to the VIPD.
A concerned citizen called 911 at about 3:53 p.m. to report multiple gunshots and a man who had been shot near Altona 34, according to police.
Responding officers arrived on the scene at the same time the victim was being rushed to Schneider Regional Medical Center in a private vehicle. Despite efforts to save him, Florentino died in the emergency room from multiple gunshot wounds at 4:11 p.m.
Florentino’s fatal shooting marks the territory’s 24th homicide of the year, and the 11th on St. Thomas. There have also been 11 homicides on St. Croix, and two on St. John.
The VIPD’s Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Tips can be shared by calling the VIPD at 340-774-2211, the Major Crimes Division at 340-714-9823 or 340-714-9829, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
