Feb. 7, 2006 – The V.I. Police Department has released a composite drawing of the suspect in the Blair E. Shannon murder case, in the hope that someone will recognize the assailant.
Shannon was killed Jan. 19 when the suspect entered his hotel room at the Best Western Carib Beach Hotel and attempted to rob him.
Sgt. Thomas Hannah, police spokesman, said Tuesday night the image was provided courtesy of a stateside composite artist who had created the image at the request of Shannon's fiancee, who witnessed the fatal shooting.
Hannah said Shannon's fiancee had gone through a book of mug shots on island but couldn't identify anyone from them. Hannah said he thought the suspect was probably young. "I strongly feel we are looking at someone in his teens or early 20s," he said.
Hannah said he wished the Police Department had someone who could have done the composite; nevertheless he said the department was delighted when the stateside agency offered to provide the image for local use.
Shannon was a popular comedian who made his living headlining shows on Royal Caribbean and Princess cruise ships. (See "Shooting Victim Blair E. Shannon was a Comedian Headlining on Cruise Ships".)
Hannah said the police department in Cincinnati, where Shannon lived, were especially interested in assisting in the investigation.
"He was very popular," Hannah said, "just getting his start as a comedian and entertainer."
Police ask anyone with information on the suspect or the murder to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau on St. Thomas at 340-715-5522, the Major Crime Unit at 340-715-5534 or 715-5546, Emergency 911 or the Crime Hotline at 340-777-8711.