Teen Carnival Cruiser Killed in Virgin Islands Shooting

A 14-year-old girl on a Carnival Cruise Lines holiday was killed on Monday in the crossfire of a shooting between two gangs in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. She was visiting the tourist spot with relatives, traveling in an open-air taxi (aka safari bus) to Coki Point Beach at the time of the incident, which occurred just before 12pm. She had been fatally wounded and taken to a hospital, where she died.

US Virgin Islands Governor John de Johng identified the girl as Lizmarie Perez Chapparro. Another teenager was killed as well while he attended a funeral. De Jongh said that all Virgin Island residents share in the sorrow of a senseless loss of life. Police didn’t immediately know who the targets of the shootings were. However, 3 people have been taken into custody as suspects.

Immediately following the tragedy, the cruise line suspended all shore excursions in that area until further notice. Carnival Cruise Lines said that, according to local law enforcement, the family was caught in the crossfire of a shooting incident between residents. Another guest suffered a minor injury due to the incident and has been treated at a local hospital, they continued.

Carnival is profoundly saddened and shocked by this tragedy, said the cruise liner. They also extended their deepest condolences and sympathy to the girl’s family and loved ones in the wake of such an unfathomable act of violence.

Lizmarie and her family were cruising on the Carnival Victory, which can carry 2,758 passengers. The ship had left San Juan on Sunday.