THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT 
                                     “To Protect and Serve” 
       Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
AAF Justice Complex, 5400 Veterans Drive St. Thomas, 00802 * (340) 774-2211 
Administrative Services Building 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted St. Croix, 00840 * (340) 778-2211 
 
www.vipd.vi.gov 
 
VIPD Release- 110522-302 
For Immediate Media Distribution 
 
 
November 5, 2022  
 
 Suspect Arrested in the OCH Fatal Stabbing 
                      The Deceased Identified  
                           
Charlotte Amalie,  St. Thomas- On Saturday November 5, 2022 at 1:13p.m., a concern 
citizen call 911 and reported that a female was in the archway of building 5 of Oswald Harris 
Court(OCH), St. Thomas, and she appeared to be bleeding from the head.   
Upon responding officers’ arrival to building 5 contact was made with a black female that 
appeared to be unresponsive.  Emergency Medical Technicians also responded to the scene 
and checked the female for signs of life.  At  1:23p.m., the Medical Examiner concluded that 
the female did not have any vital signs.   
The victim was identified by next of kin as 39 year old Laura  Blyden of Oswald Harris Court 
building 5.  
Investigation revealed that Ms. Blyden suffered at least one puncture wound to the upper 
body.   
Law Enforcement received that the suspect was in the area of building 2 of the Oswald Harris 
Court housing community.  Officers made contact with 37-year-old Ahjahra Francisa and he 
was placed in custody.   
Ahjahra Francis was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder.  Bail will be set pending 
Advise of Rights hearing.   
 
Anyone having any information about this incident, contact the Virgin Islands Police 
Department at (340-774-2211) or the Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449 .  You can also 
contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 
                                         
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