Jan. 20, 2005 – Police have identified the victim of Thursday night's homicide as 46-year-old Blair E. Shannon.
Shannon was fatally wounded when an unidentified man entered his hotel room at the Best Western Carib Beach Hotel and shot him in the abdomen. A woman also in the room with Shannon was not injured, according to James McCall, assistant Police commissioner.
Shannon is from West Chester, Ohio.
According to a profile published in the Dec. 27, 2005, "Cincinnati Enquirer", Shannon was a popular comedian who made his living headlining shows on Royal Caribbean and Princess cruise ships. The profile chronicled Shannon's life on and off the stage, painting a picture of a talented performer and musician and a single parent devoted to his 13-year-old daughter, Chelsey. Shannon's wife Amy died seven years ago of leukemia, the "Enquirer" article said.
V.I. Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Hannah said Shannon's companion placed a call at 11 p.m. to 911 saying a man had entered the hotel room, an altercation had taken place and the suspect, while holding a gun on Shannon, demanded money. At that point the intruder shot Shannon and then fled the scene.
When police arrived they found Shannon lying face down on the floor with no vital signs.
An ambulance was called and Shannon was taken to the Schneider Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is in full swing. Hannah said attempted robbery appears to be the motive at this time.
Police ask anyone with information on the crime to contact the Major Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 715-5546, or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 715-5522 or 715-5534. Information may also be provided via Emergency 911 or the Crime Hotline at (340) 777-8771.
Any information provided will be held in the strictest of confidence, Hannah said.
Shannon's killing is the territory's first homicide of the year.
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