Police on St. Croix arrested a second suspect in connection to the recent murder of 32-year-old Gilbert Hendricks, according to the V.I. Police Department. On Thursday, detectives received information that the suspect, Craig Muller, 27, fled the territory and was attempting to board a flight from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.
Detectives contacted U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in Puerto Rico and enlisted their assistance to detain the suspect, according to the VIPD. A warrant for Muller’s arrest was requested and issued by the V.I. Superior Court. Muller was flown back to St. Croix and charged with first degree Murder. Muller was arrested a few minutes before 2 p.m. the same day. His bail was set at one million dollars.
Police said Muller was with 27-year-old Elvin Wrensford when Hendricks was shot and killed on May 10, near Five Corners in La Grande Princess. Wrensford was arrested just hours after the shooting. He was originally charged with first degree assault; however, the charge was upgraded to first degree murder when Hendricks died.
According to the preliminary police report, rapid gunfire was heard in the area around 10:30 p.m. May 10, and police were advised there was a man down. Witnesses reported seeing a man running and shots being fired at him from a red pickup truck.
Hendricks was shot at least once in the upper body and taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center for treatment, where he later died from his injuries.
Detectives, forensic technicians, and other police officers canvassed the area, talked to witnesses, and collected evidence. The pickup truck was found abandoned a short distance away and a gun was also recovered.
The investigation into this case remains active and detectives urge anyone who has additional information regarding this case to call 712-6077, 712-6037, or you can call the anonymous tip line, Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.
