A man accused of stabbing and continuously harassing an elderly woman after a recent breakup

ST. THOMAS — A man has been arrested for forcing his way into his ex-partner’s home and holding a knife to her throat, the latest in a string of harassing and violent behavior.

Court documents show that on Friday last week, the woman and her son went to the domestic violence unit to report an assault. She told police she was getting ready for work that morning and was about to leave home around 6:30 a.m

Due to her imminent departure, the woman said the front door was open and suddenly saw Kelvin Snaggs enter the kitchen where she was standing. The woman revealed that she and Snaggs had previously been in a relationship that ended many years earlier.

Snaggs reportedly grabbed a large knife from the kitchen counter, then grabbed the woman by the throat with one hand while holding the gun with the other. The woman said she tried to push away the hand holding the knife, suffering a cut in the process. The woman, who was unable to free herself, told police she began screaming, asking why Snaggs wanted to kill her.

The woman’s tenant heard the commotion and lifted one of the window blinds from outside to see what was happening. When he saw Snaggs holding the landlady by the throat, the tenant screamed to call the police, which forced the woman’s attacker to flee the scene.

The elderly woman told police the incident was part of a long string of harassing behavior. Snaggs reportedly previously damaged her vehicle and made unauthorized copies of her keys. The woman filed at least five police reports regarding his behavior.

The woman’s son, who lives abroad, told police he had already received messages from Snaggs reminding him that his mother was elderly and lived alone. He said Snaggs is sending people to his mother and he believes this is a tactic used to check whether he (the son) is on the island or not.

When officers spoke with the woman’s tenant, he confirmed her story and noted that it was an ongoing problem.

Snaggs turned himself in Friday evening and was arrested and charged with second- and third-degree assault, simple assault, unlawful entry and stalking, all as domestic violence crimes. He was also charged with criminal abuse or neglect of an elder, use of a dangerous weapon in a violent crime and disturbing the peace.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull on October 28 for advice on a rights hearing.

In court Monday, a judge ordered Snaggs’ bail be set at $35,000, with an option to pay 20% of the amount in cash, to secure his release before trial. If he is able to meet these conditions, he will be obliged to appear in person at the probation office twice a week. Snaggs will also be required to surrender all his passports and driving license and must remain at least 15 meters away from his former partner at all times.

His next court appearance is scheduled for November 15.

Editor’s note: Domestic violence is a serious problem in the Virgin Islands and across the country. If you are looking for help leaving or dealing with an abusive relationship, contact the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (24/7 hotline 340-773-9272) and the St. Croix Family Resource Center. Thomas 24/7 hotline 340-776-7867 ) may be able to help.