ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — A call about an unresponsive woman at a downtown guesthouse Friday morning quickly escalated into a homicide investigation, ending with the arrest of her estranged husband.
Police say 42-year-old Maireni Heredia Tiburcio was found with a gunshot wound to the upper body at the Galleon House. Officers responded to a 911 call at 11:48 a.m., and emergency medical technicians pronounced Tiburcio dead at 12:26 p.m.
Investigators later identified the suspected shooter as 54-year-old Tizoni A. Mahoney, Tiburcio’s estranged husband. Mahoney was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and is awaiting his advice of rights hearing, according to a Virgin Islands Police Department release.
The shooting has raised concerns about domestic violence in the territory, which advocates say can escalate when relationships break apart. Authorities have not released details regarding what led to the confrontation inside the guesthouse.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the CIB Major Crimes Division at 340-714-9823, 340-714-9828, or 340-714-9829; the VIPD at 340-774-2211; or via WhatsApp at 340-642-8449. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.