Two Prisoners Escape From His Majesty’s Prison
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force confirmed that inmates Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos were found missing from His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut shortly after 9:00 p.m. on October 25 and have issued wanted notices describing both men as armed and extremely dangerous. Security has been stepped up across the Territory, ports and private docks have been locked down and U.S. Virgin Islands police have been placed on alert as the multi-agency search continues; authorities urge residents not to approach the fugitives and to report sightings immediately.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed two inmates, Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, were discovered missing from His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut shortly after 9:00 p.m. on October 25, prompting an immediate lockdown of the facility and the launch of a coordinated multi-agency manhunt across the Territory.
According to JTV, the RVIPF has issued wanted notices for the two men and described them as armed and extremely dangerous. Police say the escapees are citizens of the United States Virgin Islands and warned the public not to confront them but to report any sightings immediately. Officers have established checkpoints, increased patrols and stepped up security at all ports of entry, private docks and other likely departure points across Tortola and the outer islands, JTV reported.
The aim is to systematically restrict movement within the Territory and to prevent any attempted departures by sea. The RVIPF provided physical descriptions and offence information. JTV described Jose Almestica, 37, as approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, brown-skinned, with a muscular build and braided hair.
He has faced multiple firearm and drug-related charges; JTV detailed counts including 11 counts of keeping an unlicensed firearm and eight counts of unlawful possession of ammunition. Earlier reporting from Guavaberry and VINO also noted Almestica previously escaped custody after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and was recaptured on December 7, 2021, and that he faced convictions and charges related to firearms, explosives and drug distribution.
Burgos, 27, is described by JTV as about 5 feet 10 inches tall, slim, with locs and a brown complexion. He was being held on remand on serious charges including conspiracy to murder in connection with the December 2022 killing of Kadeem Jimenez in East End, Tortola, and appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Tamia N.
Police say Burgos also faces multiple firearm and drug offences. Virgin Islands has been placed on high alert and a text advisory was sent in the USVI, the St Thomas Source reported. Police Department spokesperson Glen Dratte told the Source that the RVIPF reached out to territorial authorities; one of the escapees is known to have ties to St.
Thomas, though authorities have not released evidence that either man has travelled there. An internal investigation is under way to determine how the two men escaped and the exact circumstances of their disappearance; authorities have not disclosed details of the method or route of escape.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool told JTV the RVIPF is leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies, prioritising community safety and the safe apprehension of the fugitives. Police have urged residents to be vigilant and to report location, direction of travel, vehicle descriptions or any suspicious activity while prioritising personal safety.
Information can be shared with the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or 368-9593, by calling 311, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas. Authorities say more information will be released as the manhunt progresses.
Primary source: Guavaberry