Murder suspect arrested and charged 12 hours after crime

British Virgin Islands: Police on St. Thomas were notified of the stabbing death of a 64 year-old female and 12 hours later, 22-year-old Kareem Mulraine was arrested and charged with the murder, according to a BVInews.com report.

The victim, Ernestine Carty, lived in Estate Hidden Valley in the Tutu High Rise apartments. The suspect also lives in the same housing complex.

The BVInews.com report said that Police were notified on Wednesday, at about 02:45hrs of an unresponsive female in an apartment. According to the preliminary police report the victim was motionless on the floor of her apartment with multiple stab wounds about her body. Emergency Medical Technicians on the scene could not detect any vital signs.

Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives, members of the Intelligence Unit and Zone C officers conducted an investigation and canvassed the neighborhood. Forensic technicians processed the scene.

Based on the results of the investigation police requested an arrest warrant from the VI Superior Court.

Kareem Mulraine was arrested at about 14:30hrs and charged with Murder First Degree and Use of a Dangerous Weapon During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.  His bail was set at $250,000 and he was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending further court action, the BVInews.com said.

St. Thomas/St. John Deputy Police Chief, Dwayne DeGraff, thanked the community and the officers who were instrumental in the swift arrest of the murder suspect. He said, “When the community comes forward and tells what they know, suspects can be arrested swiftly. Any murder is a tragedy; however a quick arrest is the best conclusion for the family and the community.”