Murder Suspect Extradited to St. Thomas After Turning Himself in to BVI Authorities

ST. CROIX — Demare A. Encarnacion, a 32-year-old fugitive wanted for first-degree murder, has been returned to St. Thomas after surrendering to authorities in the British Virgin Islands, the V.I. Police Department has confirmed to the Consortium. His extradition was facilitated through the collaboration of the VIPD Marine Unit and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, the case stems from a shooting incident on October 13, 2024, when the ShotSpotter Detection System alerted the 911 Emergency Call Center at approximately 3:03 a.m., indicating multiple gunshots fired on Kronprindsens Gade.

Upon arriving at the scene, VIPD officers discovered an unresponsive male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians arrived shortly after but determined that the man showed no signs of life. The victim was later identified by next of kin as 59-year-old Cecil R. Scatliffe.

Following an investigation into the shooting, VIPD secured an arrest warrant for Demare A. Encarnacion on October 17, 2024. Law enforcement officials pursued leads on his whereabouts for several months before receiving a breakthrough in the case.