VIPD Made Swift Arrest in Homicide of 17-year-old Minor in Walter I.M. Hodge
Updated: 5 days ago
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT “To Protect and Serve” Office of the Commissioner
VIPD NEWS RELEASE -
October 24, 2026
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department is proud to announce the swift arrest of 19-year-old Carim Fingal, a suspect in the shooting incident that claimed the life of 17-year-old Ky’Jahnny Niles.
On October 22, 2026, at approximately 9:07 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center was alerted by the VIPD gunshot detection system of shots fired in the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion.
Responding officers found two male gunshot victims with serious injuries. The victims were transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital emergency room, where one of the victims was pronounced dead as a result of his injury. The second victim, an 18-year-old male, was treated and is in stable condition.
A Major Crime Unit detective was assigned to investigate the homicide. The investigation into this homicide identified Carim Fingal as one of the suspects in this case.
Fingal, 19, was detained and transported to the Criminal Investigation Bureau, where he was arrested and booked. He was charged with Murder in the First Degree and Carrying a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime, and Assault first degree.
Unable to post bail in the amount of $1,000,000.00, Fingal was transported to John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Superior Court.
The VIPD thanks the community for its continued assistance and cooperation in providing information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for violent crimes. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Major Crime Unit at 340- 778-2211, Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or 911.
###
AAF Justice Complex, 5400 Veterans Drive St. Thomas, 00802 (340) 774-2211 Administrative Services Building 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted St. Croix, 00840 (340) 778-2211
