ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — August 18, 2026: The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) announces the arrest of a St. Croix father in connection with the accidental shooting death of his four-year-old son.
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 7:01 p.m., the St. Croix 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a child who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The child, identified as 4-year-old Jeziah Azir Richardson, was transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, Richardson succumbed to his injuries.
Following an investigation conducted by detectives with the VIPD Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), 27-year-old Roland Richardson III, the child’s father, was arrested on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Richardson was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Neglect, Child Abuse, and Aggravated Child Abuse and Neglect in connection with the incident.
Bail was set at $50,000. Richardson was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his Advise of Rights hearing.
The Virgin Islands Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jeziah Azir Richardson during this difficult time.
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