USVI-On-Line

The website is having some problems, but Tradewinds reports the stabbing death of a 21 year old from Pennsylvania visiting the island with his mother before taking a job at the Bitter End.
No suspects have been identified.

Not much info ... but here's a link to the story directly http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/ind ... 0&Itemid=1

So sad and such an awful tragedy.

I hope they find the murderer and bring him to justice.

That's just a terrible story...

So sad for this young man and his poor mother who is still there. I send my deepest condolences to his family.

One of my buddies on island mentioned a murder, he had heard it was nearer the Tradewinds bldg and witness's heard a guy yelling for his life and to call 911..........I guess this is the same one....Donald Schnell's place is just a 2 minute walk away.......
How sad.......

How terrible ... so sad.

This murder is a tragedy. Everyone’s heart breaks for the family of this young man and for a life cut short. Very little is known at this time except that this young man was not a tourist. He lived on St. John, for however short a period of time. Whatever the circumstances of this crime it seems unfair that we on the forum would suggest that this was a random crime against a tourist. This young man knew people, he had relationships on St. John and this crime was probably a result of these relationships.

Most of you know I rarely make these kinds of requests (many of you I am sure have never seen this type of request - it hasn't happened in years), but after being in touch with some friends on St. John and getting their perspective, I would really appreciate it if we did not speculate about this tragedy on the travel forum without more information. Let's wait to see and hear the news. I am sure The Source, The Tradewinds, and even the Daily News will have more facts and information very soon.

Thanks -

Pia wrote:Thank you Anthony

After witnessing the scene (about 1 min after the paramedics arrived) I was struggling to say what you just said so well.

Thank you again

Pia

Pia, that must have been a difficult thing to see. I'm sorry for you and of course for this mans family and friends. What heart ache there is in the world. A real shame.
Anthony, thank you for your insight.

However long one (at age 21) might be "on island" , your post seems to imply that this young man was in some way responsible for relationships that led to his murder.
Sorry, but the "blame the victim" defense is insupportable.

What if that had been your child?
As he is. Was.

Yo Vic, nobody seems to be blaming the kid.

Sorry for the interrupted post, but again,

why assume that this young man was in some way
complicit in his being stabbed to death,

left to bleed to death, as the report says , in view of
police officers who watched with arms folded...

This is a horrific crime, period.

Please, if we're waiting to gather all the facts,
don't impugn the reputation of the victim.

My heart breaks for his family.

captainvic wrote:Sorry for the interrupted post, but again,

why assume that this young man was in some way
complicit in his being stabbed to death,

left to bleed to death, as the report says , in view of
police officers who watched with arms folded...

This is a horrific crime, period.

Please, if we're waiting to gather all the facts,
don't impugn the reputation of the victim.

My heart breaks for his family.

Vic, you mis-read that part of the article. That was simply commentary on the scene while paramedics tried help the kid.

captainvic wrote: don't impugn the reputation of the victim.

Vic my apologies for that - I definitely was not trying to blame the victim, I agree with your point.