Woman shot dead in Frederiksted; ex-partner arrested for premeditated murder

The incident occurred at approximately 12:55 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when the VIPD’s ShotSpotter system notified 911 of gunshots on King’s Street in Frederiksted. According to the VIPD, shortly thereafter, several concerned citizens reported to the emergency dispatch center that a woman in a black vehicle had been shot on the same street.

During their investigation, VIPD Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) detectives learned that a light-skinned man, identified as the suspect, had approached the vehicle in which the victim, 24-year-old Indierra Morales, was sitting. The suspect, wearing a gray hoodie, long dark jeans, and a low afro hairstyle, reportedly had both hands buried in his hoodie as he approached. A second woman at the scene was heard yelling at the shooter to stop driving, but the man opened fire with a handgun, shooting Morales multiple times.

The attacker then stopped shooting, put his hands back in his hoodie and fled the scene in the direction of Hill Street.

VIPD later identified the suspect as Rosnel Diaz-Bautista, 22, who is believed to be Morales’ former partner. Diaz-Bautista was quickly arrested and transported to Wilbur Francis Command, where he was formally arrested and charged with first-degree murder. His bail was set at $1 million.

The victim’s body was taken by ambulance to Gov. Juan Luis Hospital, where the attending paramedics pronounced her dead upon arrival at 1:39 a.m.

The victim, Indierra Morales, was identified by her next of kin after the fatal shooting.

The VIPD continues its investigation and Glen Dratte, VIPD Director of Communications, reiterated the department’s commitment to seeking justice in this case.