17-year-old shot dead near Grand View homes in St. Thomas

ST. THOMAS — VI Police are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 17-year-old man early Sunday morning.

The incident, which occurred near the Grand View Housing Community in St. Thomas, marks the latest in a series of tragic murders affecting the area’s youth, with St. Thomas responsible for 20 of the 36 homicides the USVI has suffered this year affected.

According to VIPD, the 911 emergency call center was alerted by the Shot Spotter detection system to the sound of multiple gunshots in the Grand View Housing area at approximately 2:39 a.m. Sunday. Responding VIPD officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and found a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency medical technicians assessed the victim, who was unresponsive, and determined he showed no signs of life. The young man was later identified by his relatives as Kareem L. Pinney, 17 years old.

VIPD urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. Persons with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the shooting are encouraged to contact the department directly at (340) 774-2211 or the Major Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Unit at (340) 714-9823, (340) 714- 9828, or (340) 714-9829. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online here.