St. Croix Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Torae Sanders, 31, in Estate Rattan

By News Staff

Freedom City Times

​ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has launched a full-scale homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old woman late Saturday night in Estate Rattan.

​The victim has been identified by her next of kin as Torae Sanders.

​According to preliminary reports from the VIPD, the 911 Emergency Call Center received an urgent dispatch at 11:48 p.m. regarding a female gunshot victim at a residence in Estate Rattan. Investigators determined that Sanders was ambushed by two unknown individuals as she arrived in the driveway of her home. The suspects opened fire, striking her multiple times in the upper body before fleeing the scene.

​Emergency medical personnel responded and transported Sanders via ambulance to the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

​Community Assistance Requested

​Authorities are treating this incident as an active and high-priority investigation. The VIPD urges anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Estate Rattan area late Saturday night, or who possesses information regarding the suspects, to come forward.

​Tips can be directed to the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) at 340-778-2211, Crime Stoppers VI anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by dialing 911.

​This is a developing story. The Freedom City Times will provide further updates as more information becomes available from law enforcement officials.