A scorched body was discovered inside a vehicle that was set on fire in Estate Betty’s Hope in the vicinity of the former Texaco site, St Croix, US Virgin Islands, VIPD Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman announced on Friday November 20, 2015. Photo: tripadvisor

According to Ms Freeman, citing a preliminary report, at about 10:30 pm on Thursday, the 911 emergency call center received notification of a burning vehicle in Estate Betty’s Hope, and a subsequent call at 10:37 pm of gunshots being fired in the same area.

Responding officers arrived at the location and saw a white pickup truck fully ablaze. The Virgin Islands Fire Service arrived moments later and extinguished fire, and the body was discovered inside the vehicle, according to Ms. Freeman.

The identity of the victim has not been released; however once an autopsy has been performed and next of kin has been notified, identifying information will be provided, according to police.

The VIPD is asking anyone with information concerning this homicide to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-712-6024, Chief of Police-St. Croix, Arthur Hector Sr. at 340-712-6005, the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or visit their website.