VIPD Officer Killed in Williams Delight

      VIPD Officer Killed 

      in Williams Delight

A.J. Pike

     St. Croix - The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of a VIPD Executive Security Unit (ESU) Officer that occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the west side community of Williams Delight, St. Croix. 

     The 911 Emergency Call Center received notification of shots fired in Williams Delight at approximately 5:50 am. Responding units who arrived on the scene observed an unresponsive male in a vehicle who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. 

     Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) confirmed that the victim did not have any vital signs. The male was identified as 51-year old Eustace Charles, a VIPD Officer assigned to the Executive Security Unit. 

     The ESU is a specialized division within the VIPD responsible for providing 24-hour executive protection to the highest-ranking officials in the Territory. 

     Mr. Charles served on Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach’s security detail. 

     Governor Bryan said he was angered and shocked by the Officer’s death.

     “I am shocked, heartbroken and angered by the tragic shooting death of Executive Security Officer Charles,” the Governor stated. “Officer Charles was a valued member of the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Executive Security Unit and a dedicated member of the Office of the Governor’s family. He was assigned to the Lieutenant Governor’s security detail and served with professionalism, commitment and a deep sense of responsibility.”

     Mario Brooks, VIPD Police Commissioner, expressed profound grief and condolences following the loss of Officer Charles.

     “Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach and I offer our deepest, most sincere condolences to Officer Charles’ family, loved ones, and friends during this unimaginable time of grief. We extend the same heart-felt condolences to the brothers and sisters within the Virgin Islands Police Department family. Officer Charles served his community with honor and dedication, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said the Commissioner. “To the suspect currently at large, I only have three words for you, ‘Turn yourself in.’ We will not rest, we will not slow down, and we will use every resource available until we catch you.”

     Governor Bryan called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.

     “This heinous act of violence has taken a valued life and shaken our government family. I share the anger and disbelief felt by so many across our community, and I expect a thorough investigation to ensure that the person or persons responsible are swiftly brought to justice,” the Governor said. 

     The investigation into this case will be conducted by both the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

     The VIPD urges anyone with information regarding this crime to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).