March 24, 2003 – A St. Croix businessman became the territory’s latest homicide victim when 25-year-old Yasser Ismeel, co-owner of the Liquor and More Store in Barren Spot, was shot and killed Sunday night by two masked gunmen who accosted him as he left the store shortly after 10 p.m.
Territorial Police Chief Novelle Francis Jr. said Monday that Ismeel had closed the store but apparently forgot something and went back inside. When he exited again, two gunmen confronted him, robbed him and, during a confrontation, shot him in the chest. Ismeel was rushed to the hospital where he died of gunshot injuries an hour later.
Ismeel was a resident of Estate St. John.
His death is the tenth homicide in the territory this year, the second on St. Croix. In the first killing on St. Croix, Sirpo Carmona Cadiz was shot to death on Jan. 26 near the Frederiksted Post Office. Police arrested James Lewis earlier this month in that case. Lewis awaits trial on murder charges.
Of the eight killings on St. Thomas, no suspects have been charged but investigations continue. Two of the St. Thomas slayings have involved police officers.
Francis urged anyone with information to contact police homicide detectives at 778-4950 or the emergency number, 911.
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