The crime scene onAugust 26, 2011 and the late Felix Ramon Colon-Beltre [inset].

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

The crime scene onAugust 26, 2011 and the late Felix Ramon Colon-Beltre [inset].

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

One year after the shooting death of Felix Ramon Colon-Beltre known as 'Freddy', the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has released new information, including a possible link between the murder and a gold jewelry trade business.

Colon-Beltre, a 34-year old native of the Dominican Republic was shot and killed on August 26, 2011 during an alleged attempted robbery on Flemming Street.

Police are now offering a reward of $100,000.00 to anyone who can provide information that will lead to capturing the killer. Yesterday, August 26, on the one year anniversary of the murder, Police released more details surrounding the man's death, including leads, as part of their fresh appeal for help in solving the crime.

Colon-Beltre who resided in Purcell Estate was a barber.

Alwin James, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police stated that he knows the victim was a purchaser of gold jewelry in addition to being a barber. In retaining an open mind, he said that detectives cannot rule out a connection between his gold purchases and the shooting; however, additional information is needed.

"We want to identify and speak to two men seen walking up and down the east side of Flemming Street, one apparently speaking on a cell phone on the evening in question. Shortly before the shooting, they turned the corner onto Main Street and walked toward the barber shop. We are not saying they are connected with the shooting, but they may have seen what happened," James said.

The first male is described has brown skin, thin, about 5'9", about 25 years-old and at the time had short hair and was clean shaven. On the day he was wearing a white t-shirt and pants.

The second male is described as dark skin, also thin and 5'9". He had short locks at the time and was about 27 years-old.

According to Police, the murder took place just after 8:00 pm on August 26, 2011 when Colon-Beltre left his barber shop located on Upper Main Street to collect his vehicle, which was parked on the same street near the junction of Flemming Street. His girlfriend and a male friend remained outside the barber shop.

Colon-Beltre then drove next to the barber shop and sat in the driver's seat while his girlfriend loaded items into the vehicle and his male friend stood outside the driver's door. A lone gunman approached both men and demanded money. The gunman then shot the male friend in the leg, shot Colon-Beltre and then ran off towards Flemming Street.

Colon-Beltre was taken to hospital, but tragically died of his injuries while the 26 year-old male friend was released from the hospital after being treated for his injuries.

The investigating detectives suspect that information to advance the investigation may be held by those with knowledge of the criminal community.

"The reward of up to $100,000 is offered as an incentive for somebody to come forward. Lesser rewards will be paid for information that assists the Police in advancing the investigation and will be decided by the Commissioner of Police. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence," Police stated.

According to Police, the Witness Protection Scheme introduced under the Justice Protection Act 2011 is now in place to provide all the tools needed to protect those that come forward.