Gunfire on Hull Bay Road in St. Thomas claimed the life of Evan Haynes Jr., a 39-year-old from Ohio, early Saturday morning, according to the V.I. Police Department. The killing brings the territory's 2026 homicide toll to 45.
Emergency dispatchers received their first report at roughly 4:42 a.m. on October 31, when a caller alerted them to multiple gunshots in the area. Minutes later, a woman phoned 911 to describe being pursued by another vehicle whose occupant fired at her group. She said one of her companions had been hit.
When police and paramedics arrived at the scene, they found Haynes with gunshot injuries. Medical personnel found no vital signs.
The circumstances that triggered the chase and shooting remain unclear. Police have not revealed whether those involved knew each other or whether a suspect has been identified. The VIPD Investigation Bureau is pursuing leads and has asked witnesses to call 340-774-2211, extensions 5554 or 5556, or 340-714-9828. Crime Stoppers V.I. also accepts tips at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), and information can be shared with the Chief's Office at 340-715-5548, the Commissioner's Office at 340-715-5506, or 911.
Haynes's death marks the 18th homicide on St. Thomas in 2026. St. Croix has experienced 27 killings; St. John has recorded none.
The shooting follows a violent week on St. Croix. On October 20, gunfire in Old Fredensborg claimed the life of 24-year-old Jahmarie Warden. Two days later, 17-year-old Ky'janny Niles was fatally shot at the Walter I.M. Hodge Housing Community in Frederiksted; an 18-year-old was also wounded in that incident. Police arrested 19-year-old Carim Fingal and charged him with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and carrying a dangerous weapon in connection with Niles's death. On October 24, 35-year-old Hillman Faucher Jr. was shot outside The Hide Out Bar on Queen Street in Christiansted. Authorities have not indicated that any of these killings are linked.
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