ST. THOMAS – On Friday, November 23, 2007 at 6:41am police were notified that the body of an unidentified male was found in a grocery store shopping cart in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas. Police arrived on the scene to find the body of a Black male approximately forty (40) years of age with multiple gunshot wounds, including at least one head wound. District Chief of Police Rodney Querrard responded to the scene along with Patrol, Forensic; Lottery officers and detectives from the Major Crimes Unit.

Chief Querrard expressed his disappointment with the community’s lack of response to shots fired in a highly residential area. “We believe this incident took place between the hours of 10:00pm Thursday evening and 1:00am Friday morning, however no reports of shots fired in the area were made to 911 dispatchers.”, said Querrard. “During these hours that area is highly populated – there is even a bar in the area - and we know there are witnesses who can provide law enforcement with support and assistance in piecing together what exactly happened to this individual.”, he added.

Police have identified the victim as forty-one (41) year-old Clarence Van Beverhoudt, a St. Thomas resident. The victim was identified by his Aunt. Commissioner James H. McCall is urging residents who may have information on this latest homicide to contact police, anonymously if the need exists. Residents can contact detectives in the Majors Crimes Unit at 715-5534 or dial 911. Chief Querrard is reminding the community that steps will be taken to protect witnesses, utilizing all available local and federal resources, if they feel they would be in danger by coming forward. “Residents must understand that they are the eyes and ears of law enforcement and without active support from the community we cannot achieve our goal of living in a community free from violent crime.”, said Querrard, adding “Anyone who wants to come forward with information on this or any other crime can contact my office directly at 715-5548.”