ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Criminal Investigation Bureau
(CIB) detectives conducting canvassing efforts in the Old Fredensborg area in search of
witnesses following an earlier reported homicide observed a male individual stooping in the
bushes.
Upon inspecting the area where the individual had been stooping, detectives discovered a
loaded firearm. The individual, identified as Manuel Perez, was placed under arrest and
transported to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, where he was processed.
Unable to post bail, Perez was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility
pending his court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Kingshill
Superior Court.
The Virgin Islands Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information
related to criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS, the VIPD at (340)
778-2211, or 911.