Acting Police Commissioner James McCall is pleased to announce that police on St. Croix have arrested two in connection with their involvement in the homicide that occurred in Mutual Homes on Saturday, February 24, 2007. Jaime D. St. Omer, age 19 of Sion Farm, and Kavida DeGrasse, age 25 of Mutual Homes, were arrested early Friday, March 2, 2007.

St. Croix District Chief and Acting Chief of Police Winsbut McFarlande says information from the community enabled police to act swiftly. “While at the scene of the homicide, officers were contacted by a concerned citizen who was able to provide identifying information on the suspects,” says Acting Chief McFarlande.

At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, officers of the Street Enforcement Team, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Domestic Violence, Forensic and Project Safe Neighborhoods Unit executed search and arrest warrants on the residences of Mr. St. Omer and Ms. DeGrasse. Mr. Omer was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, Possession or Sale of Ammunition and Reckless Endangerment. Officers seized a bulletproof vest and bags containing what appeared to be marijuana from Mr. St. Omer’s home. Bail for Mr. St. Omer was set at $150,000 by Superior Court Judge Julio Brady.

Ms. DeGrasse has been charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. A shotgun was found in a bedroom closet in her home. Bail for Ms. DeGrasse was set at $25,000.

Mr. St. Omer and Ms. DeGrasse have both been remanded to custody at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility.

Acting Police Chief McFarlande says public safety is a team effort – involving both the community and law enforcement agencies. He commends all involved in effecting this arrest on a job well done.