Feb. 5, 2006 – A St. Croix man in his mid-50s died from multiple gunshot wounds Friday night. Winston "Bamboo" Samuel was a resident of Grove Place 40-B, according to Territorial Police Chief Novelle Francis Jr.
Francis said the victim was shot at close range. "A motive for the shooting has not been established," Francis added.
According to police reports, a citizen reported hearing several shots fired at around 8:35 p.m. Friday and responding officers found Samuel outside the residence in a pool of blood.
The St. Croix Avis quoted an unnamed source as saying that Samuel was out on bail awaiting trial at the time of the shooting. He was reportedly wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Samuel, who appeared to be ambushed, was shot in the chin, jaw, mouth and side of the head. A weapon believed to be Samuel's was found near his body, the paper reported.
Samuel's death is the first killing on St. Croix in 2006, and police have no suspects in the case. Authorities did say that a male with dreadlocks wearing a white stocking cap was seen leaving the area in a white or light-colored car.
A few minutes after the shooting a police patrol unit reported a light- colored car speeding towards the Estate Profit area with two punctured tires.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in the vicinity of Colon Street with a gun inside.
Authorities could not say whether the vehicle recovered was the getaway car.
The police investigation continued on Saturday with authorities urging anyone with information to contact police at 778-2211, 778-4950 or the emergency number 911.
To date this year, there have been four murders in the territory. The remaining three, including one Saturday night, occurred on St. Thomas.

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