United States Virgin Islands Police are investigating the desecration of the grave of Virgin Islander Kalik Aaron, after a disturbing discovery was made by Public Works Department employees at the Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay, St. Thomas on Tuesday, October 8.
According to an article published by the Virgin Islands Daily News on Thursday, a cemetery worker discovered that the tomb of Aaron, who was recently buried after being fatally shot in Anguilla in August, had been broken into. The worker immediately reported the vandalism to authorities, who arrived on the scene to investigate.
The article stated that the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) confirmed that the concrete tomb had been forcefully opened, possibly using a hammering tool, which also damaged the casket inside. Detailing the extent of the damage, officers noted that the casket had holes in its top and bottom portions, which appeared to have been cut with a saw. Additionally, police detected a strong odour of bleach in the area and found bleach stains on Aaron’s clothing and face. A piece of board had been placed over the broken tomb, with wreaths arranged on top.
Family members informed the police that no valuable items were buried with Aaron, leaving the motive behind the desecration unclear.
According to the article, the incident reportedly occurred after a cemetery worker directed a woman, claiming to be Aaron’s girlfriend, to his grave, after she had asked for the location. The following morning, the tomb was found vandalized.
VIPD revealed that it has since contacted Turnbull’s Funeral Home to retrieve the body for further arrangements and noted that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made in connection to the crime.
In a statement, Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “Cemeteries are a respected place where we lay our loved ones to rest. No family should ever have to worry about their loved ones being disturbed in such a manner. These deplorable actions will not go unchecked.”
Gabriel also apologized to the family of Kalik Aaron, promising that the department would work with them to reinter the remains as swiftly as possible. He added that Public Works would continue collaborating with the VIPD to ensure those responsible for this desecration are brought to justice.