Dead are a local businessman and another man, also from the Virgin Islands. Both names are being withheld at this time.

A female, said to be a Guyanese, is also believed to be involved in the investigation.

Both bodies were found this morning, February 5, 2021, with gunshot wounds, according to reports reaching our newsroom.

There has reportedly been some amount of panic in the community over a possible retaliation; however, CoP Matthews has appealed for calm, stating that “this appears to be a tragic isolated incident with no threat to the wider community.”

The two fatal shootings that have rocked the Virgin Islands are suspected to be related and there is no threat to the wider VI community, Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews has told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Crime of passion?

Unconfirmed reports are that the shootings are a crime of passion.

The body of one of the men was found in Carrot Bay and it is believed he may have committed suicide. The body of the prominent businessman was found in the Threadfall area of Sea Cows Bay.

Police in a statement today, February 5, 2021, said homicide detectives are on the scene determining exactly what occurred.

“I can confirm we are dealing with a double shooting resulting in two male persons being found dead. Homicide detectives are on scene determining exactly what has occurred,” Commissioner Matthews told our newsroom.

Police in a statement today, February 5, 2021, said homicide detectives are on the scene determining exactly what occurred.

CoP appeals for calm

The top cop said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is appealing for calm and “our thoughts are with the families of the victims - this is a tragedy for the BVI.”

The fatal shootings are the first in the VI for 2021.