March 6, 2006 – Police have arrested a suspect in the Sunday morning killing near Pueblo Supermarket in Sub Base.
Sgt. Thomas Hannah, police spokesman, said Monday night that Steven Baxter, 21, of 300-1-21 Estate Bovoni had been arrested and charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Milton Gonzalez, which took place about 4:16 a.m. Sunday. Baxter was being held Monday night in lieu of $1 million bail.
"Baxter is not unknown to the police," Hannah said. "He has been involved in other incidents."
As for the motive, Hannah could only say there had reportedly been an altercation between Baxter and Gonzalez prior to the shooting.
He commended the V.I. Police Department's Major Crime unit for the speedy arrest. "Major Crime is doing a hell of a job," Hannah said, adding that he thought they were close to an arrest in the murder that took place on St. Croix 24 hours before the Gonzalez murder.
Baxter was arrested on a warrant issued by Rhys Hodge, Superior Court judge.
Hannah said witnesses had identified Baxter as the person who shot Gonzalez.
Baxter is to be arraigned in Superior Court Tuesday morning, Hannah said.
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