Police say officers reported gunfire near Beehive nightclub in Subbase around 3:44 a.m. Sunday and discovered Elijah E.V. Penn unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound. Photo: VIC

The victim has been identified as Elijah E. V. Penn. His death marks the 19th homicide recorded on St Thomas this year, while St Croix has recorded 29 and St. John one.

According to the [US] VI Police Department (VIPD), officers were in the Subbase area at approximately 3:44 AM on November 15 when gunfire was reported near the nightclub. Upon inspecting the area, officers discovered an unresponsive man lying on the ground with what appeared to be at least one gunshot wound to his upper body.

Emergency Medical Technicians responded to the scene and determined that the victim had no vital signs.

Police said Mr Penn was subsequently identified by his next of kin.

The department did not disclose what led to the shooting, whether investigators have identified any suspects, or whether any arrests have been made.

Sunday’s killing follows the November 11 fatal shooting of 34-year-old Joshua Gonzalez in Estate Glynn on St Croix⁠, which brought the territory’s homicide count to 48. Another man sustained multiple gunshot wounds in that incident.

Crime hotspot?

The area surrounding Beehive has been the subject of previous police investigations. In September, The Consortium reported that two women were robbed near the nightclub⁠, with one victim struck in the head with a firearm. In June, a man was arrested after allegedly returning to the establishment with a loaded handgun despite previously being banned⁠.

Police have not indicated that either of those incidents is connected to Sunday’s fatal shooting.

The VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating Mr Penn’s death.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, the Major Crime Unit at 340-774-2211, extensions 5554 or 5556, or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.