Indierra Morales Obituary, Death; – A tragic shooting incident occurred early Sunday morning in Frederiksted, resulting in the death of a young woman. Her former intimate partner is now facing first-degree murder charges, as reported by the Virgin Islands Police Department.
The event took place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at approximately 12:55 a.m., when the VIPD’s ShotSpotter system alerted the 911 Emergency Call Center to gunfire on King’s Street, Frederiksted. Shortly thereafter, multiple concerned citizens contacted 911 to report that a woman had been shot inside a black vehicle on the same street.
During the investigation, detectives from the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) discovered that a light-skinned male, identified as the suspect, had approached the vehicle where the victim, 24-year-old Indierra Morales, was seated.
The suspect, described as wearing a grey hoodie and long dark jeans, with a low afro hairstyle, reportedly kept both hands concealed within his hoodie as he approached. A second female present at the scene was heard pleading with the shooter to refrain from violence, but the assailant opened fire with a handgun, striking Morales multiple times. After the shooting, the assailant ceased fire, concealed his hands back in his hoodie, and fled the scene, running towards Hill Street.
The VIPD later identified the suspect as 22-year-old Rosnel Diaz-Bautista, believed to be the former intimate partner of Morales. He was quickly apprehended and taken to the Wilbur Francis Command, where he was formally arrested and charged with first-degree murder. His bail has been set at $1 million.
The victim’s body was transported by ambulance to the Gov. Juan Luis Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival at 1:39 a.m. by the attending emergency room physician.
Indierra Morales was identified by her next of kin following the tragic incident. The VIPD is continuing its investigation, and Glen Dratte, the VIPD Director of Communications, has affirmed the department’s dedication to seeking justice in this case.
