DOJ: First Degree Murder Conviction

A.J. Pike 

USVI - V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announced that a jury convicted 34-year old Kertis Tonge Jr. of Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Reckless Endangerment, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Unauthorized Possession of Ammunition in the fatal shooting of 35-year old Quanza Heath. The Honorable Judge Ernest E. Morris Jr. of the Virgin Islands Superior Court presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025.

On October 23, 2024, Kertis Tonge Jr. went uninvited to a Lorraine Village Apartment, St. Croix, shortly before noon. After getting into a dispute with the occupants, he intentionally shot and killed Quanza Heath who was inside the apartment. In total he fired three shots into the apartment occupied by Mr. Heath, an adult female, and multiple children. 

After a citizen called 911, responding officers found Quanza Heath with multiple gunshot wounds and quickly transported him to Juan F. Luis Hospital for emergency treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries.

“This victory for justice was made possible by the dedication of prosecutors Robert Pickett and Jasmin Griffin, the DOJ support staff, the VIPD, the witnesses who testified, and the jury members who upheld the law,” said AG Rhea. “Our communities are safer when people engage in the justice system, and the DOJ is grateful to those who step forward to build a safer, more just future. We remain committed to protecting our communities and pursuing justice for victims and their families.”

Attorney General Rhea expressed gratitude to everyone involved for their hard work, including the prosecutors, Assistant Attorney General Robert Pickett, Esq., Assistant Attorney General Jasmine Griffin, Assistant Director of Investigations Giselle Quinones, Special Agent Riquesha Williams, Special Agent Sarah Mcfarlande, and Victim Witness Advocate Juliet John Hope from the St. Croix District of the V.I. Department of Justice Criminal Division. AG Rhea also thanked Detective Naemah Daniel of the Virgin Islands Police Department and all the officers involved in the investigation.