In the aftermath of the chaotic scene at the John F. Kennedy housing complex in St. Croix, more facts have begun to surface relating to the recent arrest of Marcos Gilbert Jr. Not only is Gilbert implicated in causing a shower of 52 gunshots, but ongoing investigations also bring to light potential involvement in illicit ammunition importation and vehicle theft.
Drawn by the ruckus of incessant gunfire detected by the V.I. Police Department’s ShotSpotter system, members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau arrived at the scene on the afternoon of July 9. Multiple spent cartridge shells were located, along with six automobiles affected by the shooting fray.
Officers, while combing buildings 15 and 16 of the housing complex, identified an apparently deserted Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle bore signs of damage, a conspicuous absence of a front license plate, the detritus of a tree branch embedded in the bumper, a heavily wrecked front-right wheel well, and a ravaged rear window as per court records.
Curiously, shell casings were found scattered around the Jeep, as well as lodged around the lower front window. A short distance from the vehicle, a black bag and a petite package were also relocated. Revealingly, the bag contained Gilbert’s personal belongings including his passport, a gaming console, and an integral piece of evidence, an airplane ticket with a date of July 8.
The recovered package addressed to Gilbert was packed with ten versatile magazine clips with the capacity to contain a sizeable total of 381 rounds. An empty building close by, the subject of a later police examination, contributed additional crucial evidence related to the supposed shooting.
Found in the vicinity of the building were the Wrangler’s missing plate, its key, a collection of clothes, two more magazine clips, one appearing recently used, a single spent .40 caliber case, a firearm laser or light accessory and a bank receipt inked with the same day’s date, all linked to Gilbert’s account.
The police confirmed that Gilbert’s father was the registered owner of the retrieved Jeep. As the investigation progressed, Gilbert’s mother was called to the scene. Upon seeing the confiscated apparel, the distraught mother recognized it as her son’s belongings.
Significantly, she relayed that her spouse had informed her that their Jeep had been absconded from a mechanic’s property earlier the same day. Driven by these leads, the police decided to arrange a meeting with the prime suspect, Gilbert himself.
On being confronted by the police, Gilbert recounted the day’s events stating that he had left the Jeep at the mechanic’s for repair at 8:00 a.m., afterward spending the day at home. This narrative was contradicted by the mechanic who reported the vehicle missing post an oil change and left unattended for collection.
Previously disclosed charges on Gilbert included reckless endangerment in the first degree, brandishing a concealed firearm, evidence of planning a violent crime, and possession or sale of ammunition. However, the unfolding revelations led to additional indictments.
Gilbert is now faced with charges over the unauthorized possession of firearms, the failure to declare firearm components, and utilizing a stolen vehicle related to the incident. After the hearing, he was incarcerated at the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility, owing to his inability to provide the required $30,000 bail.
The comprehensive collection of evidence, witness statements, and conflicting narratives weaves a complex tale of criminal activity – one that features large-scale gunfire, suspicious importation of ammunition, and a stolen vehicle alongside the prime suspect’s shifting alibi.
The well-progressed investigation points towards a more significant role of Gilbert in the incidents of the day. Besides firing 52 gunshots at the JFK housing community, he is strongly implicated in a series of felonious activities.
The arrest of Marcos Gilbert Jr. has thrown open a Pandora’s box of gruesome criminal activities, demonstrating how a single incident can lead to the unravelling of a network of criminal conduct. The story continues to unfold, with more developments likely around the corner, bringing justice one step closer to the residents of the John F. Kennedy housing community.