The anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, seeks the public’s help to resolve two homicides that took place in the territory.
St. Croix – On Jan. 4, 2019, at around 6:30 p.m., 49-year-old Kailash Banani, the owner of Panache Jewelers in downtown Christiansted was shot to death near the entrance of Mount Welcome off the East Bypass. According to police sources, Banani had left his store and was headed home when his vehicle was bumped from the back by another vehicle. Banani stopped his vehicle, stepped out of it, and was ambushed by unknown assailants, apparently demanding money. Banani was shot multiple times and died from his injuries. Banani was married and had two young children.
St. Thomas – at approximately 3:10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, , shots were fired in the area of Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy in Subbase, St. Thomas. Bria Evans, 20, an innocent bystander who was attending a function at Krush Night Club with her friends, was struck by a projectile. She was transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment. She later died from her injuries.
Anyone with information on the Crime Of The Week cases can call Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.P3tips.com or www.crimestoppersvi.org . Callers will be issued a confidential PIN and are encouraged to check back frequently for reward eligibility. Information leading to the resolution of a case can qualify the caller for an anonymous cash reward.