Sion of Friday night's shooting at the WMJR Service Station in Sion Farm. Photo:VI Consortium

A suspect is in custody, according to information provided by VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte.

The incident occurred at around 7:07 p.m., when the St. Croix 911 Emergency Call Center received a ShotSpotter notification along with multiple calls reporting shots fired in the vicinity of the service station.

The VIPD, Emergency Medical Services and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, responders discovered an unresponsive adult male, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased was later identified as Pedro Melendez Sanes.

USVI homicide count for 2026 now at 24

The shooting brings the territory’s homicide count for 2026 to 24, according to Mr Dratte. He said St. Thomas has recorded 13 homicides so far this year, while St. Croix has recorded 11.

VIPD said the case remains under active investigation and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information about this shooting or any other incident is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or 911.