Frederiksted Homicide Suspect Indicted on Federal Charges; Could Face Life Imprisonment or Death Penalty

Rosniel Diaz-Bautista charged with crimes that could lead to the death penalty; the case involves federal firearm statutes and local first-degree murder laws.

ST. CROIX — United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced on Tuesday that 22-year-old Rosniel Diaz-Bautista of St. Croix has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Indierra Morales. Diaz-Bautista is set to appear before Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague for an Advice of Rights hearing on December 3, 2024. According to court filings, Diaz-Bautista is facing federal charges for use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He has also been charged locally with first-degree murder.

If convicted on these charges, Diaz-Bautista could face the maximum penalty of death, life imprisonment, or any term of years determined by a federal district judge, who will consider the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors before issuing a sentence. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.