You are hereMan found dead in Cape Bay - Body Confiscated, Investigations Ongoing - 31st July 2008
Man found dead in Cape Bay - Body Confiscated, Investigations Ongoing - 31st July 2008
Philipsburg:--- The prosecutor’s office has confiscated the body of a man identified as Vincent Mark CULLEN (28) who was born in the Unites States. The body was found at the end of Windsor Road Cape Bay by police about 7pm on Wednesday evening.
A preliminary investigation, done by the Forensic team of the Philipsburg police station revealed that the victim had a wound above his left eye from which he bled. Dr. MERCUUR who came to the scene pronounced the death of the victim, but could not determine the exact cause of death.
In an attempt to identify the victim police searched the pockets of the victim and found a container with some sort of medication with his name on, also found were some other personal items including a set of keys. The items found led detectives to a hotel apartment in Cupe Coy where the victim and his parents were staying as they are on the island vacationing.
The father of the victim recognized the items found on the victim by the detectives, as those belonging to his son, whom he identified as Vincent Mark CULLEN.
The family arrived on the island on July 26th for vacation. The father of the victim also confirmed that his son had left home earlier that day, to visit a local casino. At the morgue the father of the victim identified the confiscated body as that of his son.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed that the body of the man is still confiscated. He said so far there is no trace of a crime committed but that has not been ruled out since the exact cause of death is not yet known.
I first would like to extend my condolences to the family of the late Vincent Cullen.
Being a parent myself I can only imagine what you must be going through, however having lost loved ones very close to me I can fully understand the pain and grief you feel right now.
Unfortunately I need to understand the whole situation. Sofar I understand that the family arrived here on the Island and within 24 hours Vincent was found dead in Cape Bay, an area that even I, as a local resident, do not frequent unless I really have to.
It is not clear to me if Vincent left home with friends or any other family members and being a total stranger to the Island (his first time if I read correctly), how did he end up in Cape Bay of all places ?. Was he driving or being driven by someone else ?. Did he hook up with anyone once he left home ?. If he left home alone, were employees and management at the casino he visited questioned as to whether they had seen him arrive or leave the casino and if so, alone or in company ?
There was prescription medication found in his pocket, did Vincent suffer from any illness which could have caused black outs, dizziness or any such related symptoms, his family should be able to answer that question. Was he diabetic and did not eat at a certain time ? What else was found in his pocket ?
Could it be that based on the preliminary investigations detectives and prosecutor have found certain evidence that they find better not mentioned as yet in order to protect the family and the late Vincent until certain blood tests were done and since Vincent being a USA citizen it would be better to have the autopsy done in the USA ?
I am also curious as to the friend who posted on this site, inquiring as to their friends death before it even hit the media or any one else knew of this, how did they learn of his death ? and also the person who asked to have the picture removed so that his family would not see it before learning of his death, didn't they know that he was on vacation with his parents ?
Unless I missed something, there are so many unanswered questions and do agree to let the detectives continue their research until more can be proven about Vincent's health and or death circumstances.
As I said before, I have been there and I choose to first deal with the trauma of losing my loved ones, clear my head and then take whatever steps are to be taken.
I also feel that all the friends, who mean well, should give the family time to come to grips with Vincent's lost instead of, within a week keep fulling their heads with such phrases as the Holloway case. This is in no way similar to that case.
This is either that Vincent fell ill and was fatally injured by his fall, got hooked up with the wrong crowd, got kidnapped or was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Which the latter should not have been being a first time visitor to the Island unless friends and or family members lived in that district or that he made a wrong turn if driving, but how did he end up on the road ?
In the Holloway case we know the situation leading up to her death and that it is being covered up by affluent influential people, that is clearly not the case here.
Even in the USA, where there is FBI, CIA etc. there are thousands of unsolved deaths and murders, for years. In Vincent's case the law enforcement here is not even given the time to run tests, Unfortunately it took the death of a visitor to stress the point that we have been making for so many years, better preps to fight crime and having our own pathologists and expertise labs on the Island.
I also feel that the family should take time out to re-run the last hours of Vincent's life and then determine if there is any additional info that would help to establish what could have taken place.
I hope that I do not sound insensitive, I certainly do not mean to do so, I am just trying to be rational seeing the involvement of the direct family and friends so soon after his death which could only cause much more pain and suffering than actually solving the situation.
So once again, my heartfelt condolences and may God be with you during these trying times.
Unfortunately I need to understand the whole situation...
Why is it unfortunate that you need to understand the whole situation?
Vincent was found dead in Cay Bay, an area that is soon to be a big hotel, casino and tourist destination.
Vincent went out on foot and was a savvy gambler, Atlantis casino is in walking distance from the resort.
Was he driving or being driven by someone else? Well he certainly didn't walk from Cupecoy to Cay Bay!
Did Vincent suffer from any illness which could have caused black outs, dizziness or any such related symptoms, his family should be able to answer that question. Was he diabetic and did not eat at a certain time ?
Please don't ask "Did your child suffer from seizures?"
I am also curious as to the friend who posted on this site, inquiring as to their friends death before it even hit the media or any one else knew of this, how did they learn of his death ?
The family learned of the death that evening and I would think they would call friends .
In the Holloway case we know the situation leading up to her death and that it is being covered up by affluent influential people, that is clearly not the case here.
No comment!
So once again, my heartfelt condolences and may God be with you during these trying times.
If you want answers, questions must be asked.
The friend asked for help in finding out what happened, If we do not ask questions,(and I do believe the FBI, CIA or any other agency would ask much more questions to shed some light on the matter), how can we even have a clue as to what happened. There are so many different posts that it is impossible to properly follow them in order. I did not start or would not have started these blogs so soon, I would try to be compassionate towards the family. Island mentality.
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Why is it unfortunate that you need to understand the whole situation?
Vincent was found dead in Cay Bay, an area that is soon to be a big hotel, casino and tourist destination.
**"because the direct family and close friends are also viewing this site and put in their position I would feel distraught having total strangers asking certain questions but perhaps this is our sentimental Island mentality which might not be understood by certain cultures. I refuse to apologize for that statement if taken in the wrong way by anyone.
Ref. location as I said in my post I certainly do not visit the Cape Bay area unless I have to, so I am not familiar with the projects in that district. Is this the same development that we see and could enter from Cay Hill/Cole bay hill, Indigo Bay? "**
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Vincent went out on foot and was a savvy gambler, Atlantis casino is in walking distance from the resort.
**"Were the Casino staff, management, security, surrounding restaurant personnel or taxi drivers questioned about noticing Mr. Cullen and if he was with anyone? Do "YOU" know if he was with anyone?"**
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Was he driving or being driven by someone else? Well he certainly didn't walk from Cupecoy to Cay Bay!
**"It was not clear which casino was visited and neither the exact location in cape bay where Mr. Cullen's body was found was noticed anywhere by my person. Windsor road was mentioned at one point, which to me is in Cole Bay ????, not sure. Also does anyone know if he had taken a taxi, was driving himself or being driven by friends ?"**
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Was he diabetic and did not eat at a certain time ?
Please don't ask "Did your child suffer from seizures?"
**"Again I regret having to ask that question but could it have been a possibility. A container was found with "prescription ??" medication (his name was on the container) was it liquid insuline or any other such medication ? No mention was made as to what type of medication. We have to look at all possibilities. Obviously the type of medication was withheld for a reason"**
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I am also curious as to the friend who posted on this site...
The family learned of the death that evening and I would think they would call friends .
**"taken from blog:
**"i am not sure how to go about this, if anyone reads this, please try to help. A friend was murdered yesterday, I believe the body was found around 7 pm. on the island of St.martin. Have you heard about a murder??? Any information would be appreciated!!!! "
As you said I would assume the family would give all details known to them, no where was mentioned how this friend found out or that the deceased was with family or friends on the Island."**
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In the Holloway case we know the situation leading up to her death and that it is being covered up by affluent influential people, that is clearly not the case here.
No comment!
**" Holloway case involves the son of A prominent Dutch (from holland, not an Arubian) Judge. Once again I do not see any similarities in the two cases. Is there any reason with reference to Mr. Cullens untimely death that would warrant any cover ups on the part of the local authorities other than to protect the Cullens family and the actual cause of their son's death ?
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Is it known who informed the authorities of the death or how the location of Mr. Cullens body was known, considering the dark isolated location where the tragedy took place ?.
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Unless some accurate answers could be given, I am afraid that we cannot jump to conclusions and will have to await the results of the blood tests and hopefully these could shed some light as to the actual cause of Mr. Cullens death.
I however do agree that there is at least one person out there who knows what happened or could give more info. on this case, but was it murder ?
I realy do not think that this blog should be continued here, since tempers will flare whenever someone tries to inquire about matters or make statements that are painful to the family and close friends.
It could happen to anyone of us the local residents.
I repeat, my heartfelt condolences and may God be with you during these trying times.
vinnie is from my town and we went to school together.
even though i haven't seen him in a while, he had this kind
of smile and laugh all throughout school that instantly made
him a likeable person and friend.
he was insanely great at drums and used to record drums
into my songs when we were kids. i won't forget that.
this is such a tragedy.
we'll miss you man.
love, ryan
Vince was one determined guy.. I met him at work at UPS. Although i was his boss we had a good relationship.. He was easy to talk to and even though he would get defensive at times he was always compliant. He would strive to do his job better everyday and wouldn't give up. He was going places. But as the saying goes.. Only the good die young.. Rest In Peace Vinny.. You're one of a kind and we will all miss you.
Vinny was my helper and a great kid. He was a one of a kind guy. I have had to deal with a lot of his peers over the years, none of them seemed to possess the work ethic needed to succeed in life. Vinny and I would talk all kinds of stuff, from Politics, taxes, women( he loved my route and always had that infectious grin when he got to deliver to the hotties). One day he came to meet me sick as a dog,
he just said he'd deal with barfing out the door, no way I said I can do it myself. He called me like 20 times to see if I was okay. When his Grand mom died he was so sad, I told if he stayed to help me he had to tell me stories about her, I think it helped him deal. I guess I treated Vinny like a Mom because I am older, but I think he loved the way I'd talk about all my crazy delivery stories. I loved this kid so much. He would leave me notes in my truck and in my mail box.
When he told me of the hard time his boss was giving him about his vacation I told him to call Steve. Steve feels horrible so do I. Do I wish Vinny did not go on Vacation, sure, but he deserved it when asked. If you are really his boss we had a great time with so many descriptive words to describe you. If you r curious come find me in Jenkintown center, I'll be more than happy to let u know how Vinny really felt about you. You know all my years at UPS I always wondered why when one becomes a Sup that you think it is cool to harass an employee, must make ya think you are above it all. Let me tell you ...your a ***** figure it out genius. His family wont have their last memory at UPS with you, they will know how others at UPS treat another human with love and respect. I wish you'd signed your name I would love to straighten your ugly ass out.
Vinster its your friend Oscar, the last day you were in Philly we spent the day having fun and being guys, when night came you didnt want to leave. you are an amazing person n so damm bright im going to remember you as the last time i saw you- -smiling n carefree-- now ur in a better place and i know ul be watching so much LOVE is sent out to you by so many and you are going to be missed so much by so many specially those who you loved. with my deepest sympathies and love for you and your family we are going to miss youuu!!!!!!!! Your friend Oscar>>>>>Always Will Be Brothers<<<<<<
vinnie was an all around awesome guy man why did this have to happen he was a very talented person we used to chill play music and go out n party play texas holdem wit a couple of friends and he loved goin to to the Atlantic City casinos weve probly went like 50 times over the last 3 years he was very talented at Black jack he taught me a method on how to count cards so cool.
My condolences go out to his family and friends
Vinnie - Vin- VIn- Vin man -- Vin Dog RIP man i am so gonna miss ya.
Brandon Martin
where was Vinny from ? MY wife was attacked in our villa on St Marting last week and she is lucky to be alive to talk about it ... we feel so sorry for his family ..we are also from the Phila suburbs
Please note that foul play has been ruled out and accepted by the Cullen Family, as a result, this is not a murder. I will get the news from the DH posted later tonight, why is it that they keep such stories from their website when it's so obvious the family and friends would be seeking news? - Flipper
I am Vinny Cullen's sister, Marie. I want to assure everyone that we are having this case fully investigated by the US embassy, US state dept. and a private detective.
We will not rest until Vinny's killer or killers are caught and justice is served. DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ IN THE PAPERS -THEY ARE ALL LIES. WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS ACCIDENTAL ---DO NOT BELIEVE THE NEWS!!!!!!! WE ARE seeking information and will be posting a significant reward shortly.
I DO NOT KNOW WHO WROTE THAT "FOUL PLAY" WAS BEEN RULED OUT--WE HAVE RESPONDED TO THE DAILY HERALD OF ST. MAARTEN AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO POST OUR REPLY. HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE GIVING AN INTERVIEW SOON. THE DAILY HERALD NEVER SPOKE TO US BEFORE THIS INFORMATION WAS PRINTED. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY GOT THEIR INFORMATION BUT IT IS NOT TRUE AND WE ARE GOING FULLY AHEAD WITH AN INVESTIGATION.
If it takes me that rest of my life i will never give up. If anyone know how to get in touch with the Holloway family (aruba incident) or if you have any questions or information please contact me at :
mariecullen01 [at] aol [dot] com .
Thank you
Marie Cullen
Marie we at UPS will help you and your family. We have posted Vinny's obit with a plea for donations to help you. It the least we can do. Don't let the Island ding dong cops deter you. Americans should demand that if these incidents happen at a resort where they are going , that a notice is applied to warn us. They want our money but not to protect us.
Why did they not just take the money and go, Vinny would have never put himself or his family at risk for money. Anything you need kd1212p [at] aol [dot] com
Look this is not my website nor my blog but I realy think that you people should move on to your own "smart" USA websites and leave us alone.
my apologies to the family of Mr. Cullen for what I am about to say but I am of the opinion that you are not acting like a grieving family but rather a lynch mob out to lynch a saint martiner for your sons errors made in the company he picked up here on the island.
Mr. Cullen is dead, you have to try to come to grips with that, all of your insults about our newspapers, law enforcement agencies and the people of this Island in general is not going to bring him back. I think the bloggers on this site have been more than patient in putting up with your insults. It is clear that you are trying to push us to a point of no return, but thankfully we are not stooping to your level.
Fine, you feel that the islanders a dumb asses, now what. Are your insults resolving the death of Mr. Cullen ?
Mr. Cullens parents have been coming to the Island for quite some years and each time have left alive and well to return to the USA. Is it our law enforcement, newspapers or peoples fault that Mr. Cullen put himself into harms way. Did you listen to the USA news today or read your local newspapers ? how many unsolved murders did you record today ?
We have lived with our idiotic mentality for years and will continue to do so, but we are a people who do not blame others for our own shortcomings.
No one deserves in any form or fashion to be murdered. But murder is yet to be proven. All indications shows that our law enforcement agencies are being extremely mercifull and are trying not to damage Mr. Cullens "positive" image, but don't push your luck. Nothing stays in the closet for ever.
Those who knew of the container with medication found in his pocket should feel confident enough to openly let everyone know what type of medication it was.
Unless you can make any sensible remarks, I suggest you grieve in your own way and keep us out of your debates about Mr. Cullen's Boss. I for sure realy do not care about those "dumb" remarks. Obviously all was not as wonderfull as it is being made believed. I did not know Mr. Cullen and while I sympathize with his family's lost, I really am not interested in hearing all of the dirty laundry that is starting to come forth from his so called good friends.
Many of us have our own local losses to deal with, some being very tragic, but thank God we have a different mentally than you and are dealing with our own.
All I want to know is what medication Mr. Cullen was on and if you refuse to let us know, then our law enforcement surely will, although you will only call it "lies" again but you know what, so what.
Establish a V. Cullen website so that you can carry on your own comments.
I just read all the comments about Cullens unexplained death on St.Maarten. Kathy Duffer you state something about the islands ding ding cops and something about warning tourists at the resorts where they are staying.
The unexplained part of this entire story is how did Vincent end up on Windsor Road? this road is pretty far from any resort. This area is well known for drugs/guns shanty area. I dont remember reading that Cullen drove a car, so did he go there looking for drugs? Whatever the case may be, his body was found. And hopefully the island will receive a blood report with a toxicology analysis on what may or may not have happened.
This is maybe one of those weird unfortunate deaths that can occur anywhere, especially if the person puts himself in the wrong place where shit can happen.
This issue was fully discussed today on the Lloyd Richardson talk show, so the locals are pretty concerned as well.
the holloway family
this is the foundation beth has set up
International Safe Travels Foundation
1110 N. Glebe Road, Suite 580
Arlington, Virginia 22201
By Phone: (703) 908-0708
By Fax: (703) 908-0709
dave and robin - she can probably find dave via Texas EquuSearch, the guy that runs it searched for natalee and became close friends with dave
Office
4013 FM 517, Suite B Dickinson, Texas 77539
P. O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539
Office: (281) 309-9500
Fax : (281) 534-6719
Toll Free: (877) 270-9500