Carnival Passenger Killed In St. Thomas

[mercedes]

A teenage passenger traveling on Carnival Victory died after being struck by gang-related gunfire while participating in a shore excursion on St. Thomas last Monday. The passenger, Liz Marie Perez Chaparro, was riding in an open bus near popular CokiPointBeach when members of rival gangs opened fire. Chaparro was caught in the cross fire and died after being struck in the head.

 

An 18-year old male, St. Thomas resident Shaheel Joseph, who may have been the intended target, was also killed and another passenger suffered minor injuries. A suspect, Steven Tyson, surrendered to police the next day and was charged with two counts of first degree murder. St. Thomas police announced that they were increasing police presence across the island and would put more officers on foot patrol near popular tourist areas.

 

Chaparro, who was from Puerto Rico, was traveling with family members on the cruise to celebrate her 15th birthday. As a result of the incident, Carnival and other cruise lines that visit the island have cancelled shore excursions to that part of the island.

 

Carnival released the following statement: "Carnival Cruise Lines is profoundly shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones in the wake of this unfathomable act of senseless violence."

[coloradocruisers]

Very tragic. A happy occasion like this young lady's quinceanos turns into the worst occasion imaginable. I can only hope the police are able to put a stop to the gangsters that did this.

[KeithnRita]

Coki beach was one of our favorite place to snorkel, in our younger days.

How very tragic!

[GottaCruz]

What a tragedy. I can't even imagine..................That poor child and that poor family.

[Jason]

Wow that is scary, I too have been right there at Coki beach!

[jacketwatch]

Terrible news indeed. The 15th BD for girls in Spanish culture is a big event, like a cotillion.  I just can't imagine what the family is goiong through. To have this happen is bad enough but to happen on vacation for this most special BD is beyond words.

[DebbieandJerry]

I heard that there were problems in St Thomas but I never imagined Coki Beach. We love that place!

What a tragedy for this family and everyone else on this cruise.

I wonder if St Thomas will stop being a stop for a while?