Two separate attacks leave three women injured, one pregnant and one fatally wounded

Over Easter weekend on St. Thomas, three women were shot in two separate attacks, with one of the victims, 20-year-old Amisha Alexander Foy, tragically losing her life. Foy had previously been the subject of a missing child report in St. Croix in November 2020, being described as a tall, thin Black girl who frequented various areas. Her death marked the territory’s seventh homicide of 2024 and the fifth on St. Thomas. The perpetrator in this case was being sought by the police.

In the second incident, a pregnant female was shot in the arm on Krondprindsen Gade on Friday night. The shooter was identified as Ricardo M. Rhymer, a former romantic partner of the victim. Rhymer reportedly approached the victim and a neighbor, asking if they were working that night before storming off. He later returned and fired shots, striking the victim in the shoulder and back. The victim, who was five months pregnant, was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Records indicated that the victim and Rhymer had a history of violence, having assaulted each other with knives in 2021 and reconciled prior to this incident. Rhymer was charged with numerous offenses, including assault and illegally discharging a firearm.

The Source Homicide List provides a chronological log of homicides recorded in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2024, based on VIPD reports. The list does not include suicides or vehicular homicides, leading to potential discrepancies in reported incidents. The two incidents over Easter weekend added to the list of violent crimes in the territory, highlighting the need for increased efforts to address gun violence and protect residents. Law enforcement officials were actively investigating both cases to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The tragic events on St. Thomas over the holiday weekend underscored the ongoing issue of gun violence in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The senseless shootings of three women, one fatally, served as a reminder of the importance of community safety and intervention to prevent further violence. The authorities were actively seeking the individuals responsible for the attacks, with one suspect already in custody. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigations and help bring closure to the victims’ families.

As the investigation into the shootings continued, the residents of St. Thomas were left shaken by the violence that had struck their community. The loss of young lives like Amisha Alexander Foy highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods. Efforts to address the root causes of such violence, including access to firearms and conflict resolution, were crucial in preventing future tragedies. The authorities, community leaders, and residents alike were called upon to work together to create a safer and more peaceful environment for all.