V.I. Police Department Commissioner James McCall has released preliminary information concerning an ongoing murder investigation on the island of St. John.
Police were advised of the incident shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, January 5. The deceased is Juan Ayala, a St. John resident and business owner. He apparently was shot multiple times according to the VIPD Commissioner.
VIPD Commissioner McCall, Chief of Police Rodney F. Querrard and St. John Deputy Chief Darren Foy are presently on St. John assisting with the investigation, which is still in its preliminary stages.
The police department is being assisted by the National Parks Service, the VI Port Authority and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources as well as other agencies to secure the ports and waterways surrounding St. John, according to McCall. Law Enforcement officials in the BVI have also been notified and are assisting the investigation.
Forensic investigators are presently processing the scene and other investigators are conducting interviews and canvassing the area. Additional information will be available to the public as the investigation progresses.
Commissioner McCall reminds residents that a $10,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any murder that happens in the Virgin Islands. Persons with information are urged to call police emergency 911, the Major Crimes Unit at 340-715-5522, or the Chief of Police’s office at 340-715-5548.
