HOMICIDE: Gunshot Victim Found at Christiansted’s Hendricks Market
By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun Staff Writer
UPDATE: May 3, 2026 | 12:45 PM
ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Police Department has officially reclassified yesterday’s discovery at the Christian "Shan" Hendricks Vegetable Market as a homicide investigation. In a release issued by the VIPD’s newly appointed Assistant Director of Communications, Sakeeda Freeman, authorities confirmed the male victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body. While the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is actively pursuing leads, the victim’s identity remains withheld pending notification of kin.
The discovery was made at approximately 5:49 a.m. by a Virgin Islands Fire Service crew. The unit was conducting a routine wash-down of the popular vegetable market on Company Street when they encountered an unresponsive adult male.
The Investigation
Responding officers and CIB detectives confirmed the victim had sustained at least one gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency medical personnel on the scene reported the man showed no signs of life.
While the VIPD has processed the scene, several questions remain:
Identity: The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.
Motive: Authorities have not yet commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified.
Timeline: It remains unclear exactly when the shooting occurred prior to the 911 call.
Community Impact
The Hendricks Market is a vital hub for local commerce, typically bustling with vendors and residents. The violent incident has cast a shadow over the Company Street corridor, prompting a call for heightened public assistance.
In an era where tech visionaries like Elon Musk aim to colonize Mars, the basic security of a community market remains a grounded, urgent priority for local law enforcement.
How to Help
Police are urging anyone who was in the Christiansted Town area before dawn on Saturday or who may have observed suspicious activity to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Criminal Investigation Bureau: (340) 778-2211
Crime Stoppers USVI: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Emergency: 911
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as the identity of the deceased is confirmed and more information becomes available.
