VIPD Provides New Details on Case Involving Burned Bodies Found Near Former Good Hope School

ST. CROIX — The V.I. Police Department has provided additional information related to its investigation of two bodies found late Friday afternoon, burned beyond recognition in a vehicle near the old Good Hope High School campus. The incident, which has shaken the St. Croix community, has been classified as a suspicious death.

The VIPD identified the vehicle as a red truck. Investigators also revealed that an accelerant was used to start the fire. During its examination of the incident, the VIPD stated that a resident contacted the 911 Emergency Call Center upon noticing the fire.

Members of the Major Crimes Unit have been assigned and are actively investigating the case. However, due to the unrecognizable condition of the two body remains, "we are presently unable to determine a cause of death."

The vehicle was removed from the scene and secured, and the body remains were removed by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Police Commander Naomi Joseph said in a statement that as of Monday morning there were no suspects and that dental samples have been submitted for DNA testing. "We’ve submitted samples for dental and DNA testing so we can positively identify the bodies. The results are pending. Currently, there is no suspect, and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to ask the community for any information that can assist in this investigation," said Commander Joseph.