Man in Custody After Shooting 33-Year-Old Woman to Death in St. Thomas

ST. THOMAS — A fatal shooting that took place Friday evening in St. Thomas has led to homicide charges against Simon Rawlins Jr., 37, who is charged with shooting 33-year-old Mardette Ward to death.

The V.I. Police Department responded to a distressing 911 call at approximately 6:01 p.m., where a female reported her friend had been shot and appeared unresponsive. The incident occurred in Thomasville, with the caller quickly identifying the assailant as Rawlins, who allegedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Upon arrival, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians found Ward with a gunshot wound to her upper body. Despite rapid response efforts, she was declared deceased at the scene by 6:15 p.m.