Inmate Found Dead in Cell at Golden Grove Prison, Bureau of Corrections Remains Mum

ST. CROIX — An inmate was found dead in his cell at the John A. Bell Correctional Facility Complex, widely known as the Golden Grove Correctional Facility, on Friday, and the Bureau of Corrections has refused to not only provide details, but even confirm that the death occurred.

The inmate, said to be a middle-aged man, was found in his cell on Friday, but it was unclear as to how long he had been dead. Also unclear was what caused his death.

On Friday, the Consortium sought comment from B.O.C. relative to why the Coroner's vehicle and the V.I.P.D. were at the Golden Grove facility. Kyza Callwood, B.O.C. chief strategist officer and acting public information officer, stated, "The Coroner's office and the Virgin Islands Police Department were at the John A. Bell Facility. Due to a pending investigation as per protocol, no information can be provided at this time."

V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez on Sunday confirmed the death and said the V.I.P.D. responded early Friday. "Contact was made with us [V.I.P.D.] early on Friday, and our Major Crimes and Forensic Units responded and processed the scene," said the commissioner.