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UPDATE: 3 arrested as police investigate murder of David ‘Bushman’ James

Three persons have been arrested as investigation continues into the murder of David James aka Bushman, who was gunned down at his home in Purcell Estate on the evening of December 7, 2015. Photo: Facebook
Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) spokesperson Diane Drayton this morning December 8, 2015 said that there have been no arrests made in the gunning down of 27 year old David ‘Bushman’ James last night December 7, 2015 in Purcell Estate on the main island of Tortola. Photo: Facebook
Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) spokesperson Diane Drayton this morning December 8, 2015 said that there have been no arrests made in the gunning down of 27 year old David ‘Bushman’ James last night December 7, 2015 in Purcell Estate on the main island of Tortola. Photo: Facebook
David 'Bushman' James. Photo: Facebook
David 'Bushman' James. Photo: Facebook
It is reported that he was shot multiple times next to his home in Purcell Estate and was taken to Peebles Hospital, where he later died. Photo: VINO/File
It is reported that he was shot multiple times next to his home in Purcell Estate and was taken to Peebles Hospital, where he later died. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Three persons have been arrested as investigation continues into the murder of David James aka Bushman, who was gunned down at his home in Purcell Estate on the evening of December 7, 2015.

According to a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) today, December 9, 2015, officers from the RVIPF executed two search warrants this morning and arrested two men and one woman for questioning in relation to the murder of James.

It said that during the course of the searches, officers recovered a firearm, ammunition and a small quantity of drugs.  

On Monday evening, David James, 28, was shot while in his apartment around 9.30pm. He was found by family members who transported him to Peebles Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The press release further stated that Acting Deputy Commissioner Amory has reiterated that this is an ongoing investigation and appeals for the continued cooperation of the public for information that can assist with the homicide inquiries.

"We are continuing our inquiries and are acting on intelligence which is provided to the Major Crime Team. We appeal to the public to continue their efforts to assist us with information that can help bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. Any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence," The release quoted Amory.

Members of the public are urged to contact detectives within the Major Crime Team directly at 368-5682. Persons can give that information anonymously to Crimestoppers through its Miami-based hotline number 800-TIPS (8477).

Members of the family of the deceased are being updated as the investigation proceeds.  

See previous article published December 8, 2015

No arrests yet in David ‘Bushman’ James shooting death

Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) spokeswoman Diane Drayton this morning December 8, 2015 said there have been no arrests in the gunning down of 27 year old David ‘Bushman’ James last night December 7, 2015 in Purcell Estate, on the main island of Tortola.

James was said to have been shot multiple times next to his home. He was taken to Peebles Hospital where he later succumbed to his gunshot wounds.

In a text message to this news site, Drayton confirmed the shooting and that investigations were underway.

“I can confirm last night’s shooting incident. One man was pronounced dead on arrival at Peebles Hospital. No arrests have been made in the matter. Police investigations are ongoing,” she said.

The deceased young man is said to be the nephew of acting Commissioner of Police Alwyn James.

Police 'gathering facts'

Detectives of the Major Crime Team are presently gathering the facts surrounding the events which took place just prior to the shooting incident last night that has resulted in the fatal wounding of a 28-year-old male, a subsequent press release from the RVIPF stated.

"David James of Purcell Estate was transported from his home, where the incident took place, to Peebles Hospital for treatment, however, he was pronounced dead just after arrival. He had sustained a number of gunshot wounds.

A postmortem on the body is to be performed to confirm the cause of death.

Detectives are asking persons who may have seen the victim anytime yesterday evening to come forward and provide this information. In addition, neighbours in the residential area just above the Purcell Basketball Court heard gunshots between 9:30pm and 10pm. Anyone who may have seen someone suspicious in the area is also asked to share this information with the detectives.

Persons can contact detectives within the Major Crime Team directly at 368-5682. Persons can give that information anonymously to Crimestoppers through its Miami-based hotline number 800-TIPS (8477).

The Coroner’s Office has been informed and family members of the deceased are being updated as the investigation proceeds," the press release stated.

See previous article published December 8, 2015

Man shot to death in Purcell identified as David ‘Bushman’ James!

PURCELL ESTATE, Tortola, VI – Word just reaching our news room is that around 10:30 PM tonight December 7, 2015 a young man lost his life to gun violence.

The Young Virgin Islander has been identified as 27 year old David ‘Bushman’ James. It is reported that he was shot multiple times next to his home in Purcell Estate on the main island of Tortola and was taken to Peebles Hospital, where he later died.

The deceased is said to be the nephew of acting Police Commissioner Alwyn James.

Our news room will bring you more details as they become available.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of our news organisation extend our sincere condolences to Mr James' immediate family and friends.

107 Responses to “UPDATE: 3 arrested as police investigate murder of David ‘Bushman’ James”

  • wize up (08/12/2015, 00:15) Like (29) Dislike (15) Reply
    whats with all this gun play: chocolate city gone!!....will VINO get a call from Penn or Harrigan on this matter
  • gkefkkdakxq (08/12/2015, 00:15) Like (19) Dislike (8) Reply
    gone to soon RIP
  • Really (08/12/2015, 00:22) Like (16) Dislike (13) Reply
    look what my BVI came too NO LAW AND ORDER WHO TO BLAME?
    • wize up (08/12/2015, 00:39) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ really: you cant blame anyone but i never thought that I would have lived to see such a drastic change in our society: the lifestyle for some of us has changed and there is a price to pay for change...our young ones move to the beat of a different drum these days( fulfilment on creation/revelation times)....God is still in control so no need to worry!
    • HAHA (08/12/2015, 09:01) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      STT & BET
      • Hmm (08/12/2015, 10:27) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
        This is true all the young men going to saint Thomas and picking up their life style.
  • Niqua (08/12/2015, 00:23) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
    God no bush no!
  • Oh My (08/12/2015, 00:24) Like (41) Dislike (6) Reply
    RIP bushman
  • Famer Bown (08/12/2015, 00:30) Like (45) Dislike (4) Reply
    I will miss him from the Agriculture Dept
  • Condolences (08/12/2015, 00:30) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
    Sincere condolences to the family of this young man. No one ever want to receive news of this sort. May they find strength and solace in their faith in God through this very heart-wrenching time.

    It is sad to know that there are persons who feel that taking the life of another human being will solve their problem or problems. The violence have to stop.
    • indeed (08/12/2015, 09:43) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is REALLY sad to know that the persons who feel that taking the life of another human being will solve their problems!!

      For a FACT, there problems MULTIPLY! They can't sleep well at nights, they are disturbed, restless, going insane. They suffer the consequences of their EVIL.
      • SB (10/12/2015, 12:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        WHAT?! smh shut your mouth and speak on things you know about. Do you know or ever had a conversation with a killer? No? Ok shut your got damn trap.
  • Oh My (08/12/2015, 00:41) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Rip wow
  • Dogs (08/12/2015, 00:49) Like (4) Dislike (93) Reply
    #BlameNDP #PrayForParis
  • comenter (08/12/2015, 00:52) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Omg almost forgot about Paris wat is the werl coming too
  • rasmo (08/12/2015, 01:05) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Man cah beleave wa am hearing not my cuz Jah knos is it really worth it .
  • Boss (08/12/2015, 01:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How u live is how u die!
  • Failure to act (08/12/2015, 02:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    AJ INVESTIGATE THAT ONE, Piper came home!!!!
  • can't believe (08/12/2015, 03:00) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    What the hell man.. I can't believe this. RIP fam.. Good looking out when u was still here. See you in time to come.
  • horrible (08/12/2015, 03:43) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    So so sad. I wish no one death in this horrrible way. Can't say much until I no more. Sometimes the facts are such that punishment is needed. Short of death..
    • resident (08/12/2015, 11:01) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      U ARE AN A$$HOLE FOR THAT COMMENT... PLEASE USE PROPER GRAMMAR NEXT TIME
      • @resident (09/12/2015, 17:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        What are your point. What or who you are referring to. You seems arrogant and hot headed..you have me lost.
  • gun men (08/12/2015, 03:54) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    What did he do so so bad that his life was satisfaction? Usually gun men will gun men in dispute to protect their own life
  • Yep (08/12/2015, 04:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You live by the gun you're gonna die by the gun. Let this be a lesson to the rest of these guys who playing bad man. RIP
  • Afected (08/12/2015, 05:21) Like (26) Dislike (9) Reply
    Sad it is indeed We have lost our V I culture of village raising a child The good book says " LIVE by the ------ DIE by the ------"OUR COUNTRY NEEDS PRAYER
  • whoaa (08/12/2015, 06:04) Like (758) Dislike (5) Reply
    I don't know what is wrong with these young people. They trying to live the fast life and getting into all sorts of illegal things. If they would pick up a book and educate themselves they won't have time for Stupidness. Parents need to take their role seriously and train up their children in the way they should go so that when they get older they will not depart from it. Too many family members turn a blind eye as to what is going on with our youth, especially our young men.
  • R. I. P. Bush! (08/12/2015, 06:10) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    RIP fam!.... He was real cool people mehn... Never passes me anywhere.., sigh!...
    They really said life never was fair...
  • qc (08/12/2015, 06:12) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    The bvi is in crisis where is the government where is the police?
    • @ qc (08/12/2015, 23:17) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      I think we need, as a country, to go further in that direction. so Vote for the NDP again
    • tretretrete (09/12/2015, 03:11) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      The police out buSy harassing businesses to close cause it's easy work!! Apes and gorillas proved to be the ones doing so.
  • chad (08/12/2015, 06:24) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    This should be easy to solve. My condolences to his family.
    • huh (08/12/2015, 08:01) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
      What the...... Are the police and government supposed to camp outside everyone's home and business place! Such a stupid statement just send out you condolences and done dumb dumb.
    • yea (08/12/2015, 08:17) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Contract?
    • well well wow (08/12/2015, 08:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems like you know
    • chad (08/12/2015, 19:49) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stop burying your heads in the sand. He was involved in a situation like the other news sites say and I'm just saying I'd know where to start looking for information. Simple commonsense.
  • wow (08/12/2015, 06:35) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    R.i.p dawg why can't we just stop this madness, we are becoming animals when we can be so much better
  • jj (08/12/2015, 07:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wow, rip gone too soon
  • sad daddeh (08/12/2015, 07:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Buh leh me b clear 1st n foremost, jus a few yrs ago he took a teenager's life, so i guess its reap wat ur sowed, R.i.p sameway
  • Comments (08/12/2015, 07:23) Like (28) Dislike (4) Reply
    It's amazing how people try to call down the Govt. What have they done or not done to cause this? It's the second of the year, the first was October. 10 months down into the year. Instead of casting blame, try and make the island better by reporting the wrong you see. Help someone in need. The country may need help but you calling it down doesn't help.
  • Young farmer (08/12/2015, 07:50) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    RIP Mr. James.. You was such a safe dude that took a lot of pride in your work and also your appearance!,life have been taken too soon, hope God takes your soul as you lay David!
  • lbvi (08/12/2015, 07:51) Like (49) Dislike (5) Reply
    2 murders for the year? We are doing excellent compared to most other countries. Stop acting like the BVI gone crazy. Back in the 80s and 90s and 2000s we had more than 2 murders a year. Any death is unfortunate but the BVI is extremely safe and beautiful!
  • .... (08/12/2015, 07:52) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Tears tears
  • apple (08/12/2015, 07:56) Like (28) Dislike (14) Reply
    The NDP needs to decade their second term to crime and poverty. Instead of victimization and censorship
  • wow... (08/12/2015, 08:14) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    such a happy soul. Glad I got to know u...RIP Bush!
  • bvi (08/12/2015, 08:31) Like (8) Dislike (33) Reply
    Does his hat say 'DOPE'? Hmmmm
    • ohkkkkkk (08/12/2015, 08:51) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      Wa that have to do with it you ppl find everything to call down on someone remember one day u will hit the news for something an guess wat they will talk about you too don't bash one wen u will b bash back (word of advice)
    • Ebonics (08/12/2015, 09:01) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
      "Dope" also means: Fresh, ill, sick, Tight, Nice. You @@@hole!!! If you aint got nothing good to say..........(u know the rest).
    • Hmm (08/12/2015, 09:08) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Its a BRAND! Dread! I swear something is wrong with you people who come on here just to say bad stuff about others
  • tragedy (08/12/2015, 08:44) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is truly sad news! I only knew you for a short time but u were such a funny guy, always lookin out makin sure myself and my friends were safe whenever you were around, never pass without a hail. Always big me up when you see me! U were also a no-nonsense cat, I guess someone just couldn't deal....RIP forever! #Bush
  • facts man (08/12/2015, 08:47) Like (21) Dislike (12) Reply
    where is the government not a word because they are not tourist
  • Hodge's (08/12/2015, 08:52) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just saw this young man in Rite Way YESTERDAY! I knew him from a youngster in primary school @ CGB... Heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Bush. May the Lord provide comfort and peace through the pain. Truly gone to soon
  • apple aka shaky (08/12/2015, 08:55) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    cause yu dum jst like ha
  • what the hell is going on? (08/12/2015, 09:00) Like (11) Dislike (15) Reply

    Honestly I did not expect this type of news this morning. this was a decent guy. a real honest decent guy. down to earth, level headed, didn't like problems nor drama. Are you serious? come on. I don't know what he did to deserve this. If he owed someone money, give him the chance to pay it back. Jealousy? what in life should you be jealous over. You want something, go after it. Just be careful of the path you take to get it.

    Is he worth more dead? this is b*llsh*t. You gone cut someones life short. for what? whoever you are, I pray they don't find you. Better yet, I dont find you. Here goes another unsolved murder because the RVIPF is sh*t. They need to wake up and take these things seriously. Get to the bottom of crimes or get people who are capable of doing the job. Because if you don't, the people within community will.

  • Binocs (08/12/2015, 09:03) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    My condolences to the family.

    I am just tired of some people using every death in this place to preach. We dont know the circumstances surrounding his death. Another person talk about the fast life style some people living...I dont know the man...was he really living a fast lifestyl??? It doesn't matter rght now..... the family want sympathy now...why dont we preach in the community and reach out to the youths then? Why wait till something happen to come preach. I am tired of it.
  • SB (08/12/2015, 09:27) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    so sad to wake up to this news
    • The real SB (09/12/2015, 13:46) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      No I wasn't....I mean I paused for a second and reflected but life goes on for the living.
  • cold (08/12/2015, 09:29) Like (12) Dislike (30) Reply
    Every Christmas time ndp give these young boys work to clean the road what happen this year they don't have no money stone all over the road after the rain and hole an bush need to cut
  • Lily Ann (08/12/2015, 09:32) Like (26) Dislike (30) Reply
    Karma !!!
  • wise one (08/12/2015, 09:41) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    One murder is too much, but I still think we are one of the safest and have less violent crime in the entire Caribbean. Was reading the new yesterday, our close neighbour Anguilla had 3 murders so far, Nevis had 6 and St Kitts had 22 so far. I'm just talking about the smaller islands, not even mentioning our bigger neighbouring islands. No one like this sort of thing in their country, I will say we are not too bad after all but we still have to be thankful. We need to stop blaming the Government for everything, anyone doing that is Dump. What we need to do is to work together to stamp out all crimes, by doing your part as a citizen of this country. Most crimes committed, some one know before and after it happened.
  • blah (08/12/2015, 11:05) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply

    Well somebody got to do it, Aye suspend all the blogs on VINO please. This killing involves a local. People all around the world will read about this murder. Locals are important. This is a sensitive matter. The victim has family and friends that maybe affected by any negative blogs. Your life was important to somebody even if you aren't a tourist. All lives matter, RIP

  • Binocs (08/12/2015, 12:17) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is always sad to hear a young life lost to gun violence. I pray for his family in their time of sadness. I knew this young man when he attended School at Ivan Dawson Primary, so it's very sad to know that's the only way someone's issue with him could have been resolved.
  • Pointless and no regard for life (08/12/2015, 12:31) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    They killed him and now do they possibly think they will be at peace. Let me answer that nope when they are found they will be imprisoned for the rest of there life. So at the end of the day was it worth it you actually lose two lives instead of one. Ignorance is bliss if people would learn to speak things out or do it the old school way have a fist fight just possibly they could knock or talk some sense into each other. Why must the parents, children, and family be without because people cant learn to handle things like an adult. Here is something to think about once you pull the trigger can you stop the bullet and undo what has been done. Actions kill not words!!!!
  • pray (08/12/2015, 12:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Life boy r.i.p prayers goes out to the family friend and love one.
  • SIS (08/12/2015, 13:37) Like (71) Dislike (2) Reply
    Rest in peace FAM wa in total shock when igot the news but like I said last night no enemey would feel comfortable walking in your yard .this is totally a friend set up we need to watch our friends more than we watch our enemies
  • Oh My (08/12/2015, 16:31) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP Bushman..was such a cool person. Condolences to the entire family.
  • church (08/12/2015, 20:50) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    God is in control he will deal with the killers
  • careful (08/12/2015, 23:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The crime all around hte BVI today is troubling in its comparison to what we can look back at. And yet, there are also differences
  • Skewed (08/12/2015, 23:43) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    What saddens me the most about David's death is peopkle on the street knows who did it!
    • Scared (09/12/2015, 08:46) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
      who wants to put themselves at risk like that. you cant even trust the hotline they created to call in anonymously. ppl here are scared
    • karma (09/12/2015, 10:58) Like (5) Dislike (10) Reply
      Just like they knew that he knew who killed Jayvon Heskey. We in the BVI need to realize this kind of lifestyle is not going to get us anywhere.
      • S (09/12/2015, 13:52) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
        What was Jayvon doing when he got killed?
        • QTNA (09/12/2015, 14:36) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
          S..good question, I would like to know also..because from what I know Jevron wasn't going to church when he got killed, smh.
        • 5 star (09/12/2015, 14:39) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
          The same thing bush and the other one who does work public works does do.
        • data (09/12/2015, 14:46) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
          It was the police responsibility to deal with him and whatever he was doing or what he had done. Full stop.!
  • wize up (09/12/2015, 17:45) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    quick pick up by law enforcement, it pays to have good connection within the force
  • hellboy (09/12/2015, 21:11) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    THE POLICE HERE IN THE BVI ARE TO0 EXCITED TO ARREST PEOPLE THEY NEED TO DO PROPER INVESTIGATION
    BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY ARREST. And i can bet you all three will be release pending further investigation

    JUST WATCH AND SEE !!!!
  • Charley Rose (09/12/2015, 22:54) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Very sad to hear of James death. He was a really cool guy. The B.V.I is not the same. It is time for good leadership. The Premier and deputy need to stay at home and stop travelling around the world. There are hurting people in the communities and it is time our leaders walk the streets and speak to the young people to lead productive lives. The country needs them for the future.
  • I-JAH (10/12/2015, 07:13) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Boy cousin Bush the James family is hurting, with out you. See you at the cross roads..
    R.I.P. them say life is not easy. But don't worry Cuz the Almighty up above will
    bring them man to justice..
  • Sigh (10/12/2015, 08:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    BUSH COME BACK PLEASE!! WE MISS YOU:(
  • Sweet dreams (10/12/2015, 11:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bush I hope who ever kill u ....you watching them try to sleep every night make them miserable ....
  • usa (10/12/2015, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I submit that crime in the BVI needs urgent attention--
  • wise up people (11/12/2015, 07:49) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    2012 club crystal remember

  • rolling stone (11/12/2015, 20:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    heard tehy got someone for this crime but It'll take more than this to really change the bvi crime culture, but it's a good start.
  • Dada (12/12/2015, 20:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I will miss you dada. A Real Friend. I couldnt believe when I got the first nor second call. Then I really aint see you around bro it hurts me. You didnt deserve to go like that and not this early in your life. Dada you believed in me and told me to follow my dreams. You gave me hope. I never had and I thank you. I pray you are in a better place.
    I use to go on the court and to the club just to see you. Now its only a reminder of the good old times. So I pass in just hoping maybe one day or night you will be there. I can remember your beautiful bright smile with those deep pot hole dimples. Lord god you with those locks, your beautiful dark skin with the sparkling red eyes, high as a kite. "Mash up" yuh would say. I wish we could go for one more drink just so I could steal you for the night. Maybe we who love you wouldnt have to say rip so soon. "Wa going on Dada" you will be missed terribly.
  • VG BABY (12/12/2015, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    MISS U BABES
  • Dada (12/12/2015, 21:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every body talking smack about the little they think they know and hear. They trying to justify what was done but thats the least. As David would say "This aint no game Dada." Of course we all have our ways along with ups and downs in life. People will be people and say whatever they feel. David was a fair person. And me nuh business what people have to say. I could only imagine how his family must feel when people talking so harsh about him. My Condolences to his whole family and other real friends. He was a sweet and funny man. Cant believe you gone dada strupes tears


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