Police are investigating a Friday afternoon shooting on St. Thomas that left one man dead.

Officers responding to the Estate Frydenhoj area around 2 p.m. found the body of 23-year-old Jason Smith. Smith had been shot several times and was unresponsive.

A preliminary investigation suggested that Smith, who had been sitting on the side of the road, may have been shot by passengers in a vehicle.

Forensic officers were on the scene interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.

Acting Police Commissioner Novelle Francis Jr. said Friday evening that Smith’s death was "clearly retaliatory" and linked to the July 1 shooting death of 23-year-old Keillroy Morrell, whose body was found in the street several hundred feet from his home in Estate Frydenhoj.

Francis also said police have confiscated a firearm that was found near Smith’s body.

Deputy Chief Dwayne DeGraff appealed to the public for help.

"These cases can be solved quickly if the community steps forward," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crime Bureau at 715-5522 or CrimeStoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.