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ST. CROIX — A 31-year-old man is in custody after being charged in connection with a February 2024 shooting that left a victim hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. The Virgin Islands Police Department announced that Troy Hazell Jr. was arrested on April 1, 2025, following the execution of a warrant signed by a Superior Court judge.
The incident occurred on the morning of February 22, 2024. At approximately 9:44 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a gunshot victim being transported by private vehicle to the Juan F. Luis Hospital. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his back, abdomen, and buttocks.
A detective with the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau was assigned to the case. According to the investigation, Hazell Jr. had arranged to meet the victim to purchase marijuana. He initially entered the victim’s vehicle, confirmed the purchase, and then exited the car claiming he was going to retrieve the money.
When Hazell Jr. returned, he was armed with a handgun. He told the victim that he had no money and would be taking the marijuana without payment. The suspect then took the marijuana and began to walk away. The victim followed and demanded the return of the product, at which point Hazell allegedly turned around and ripped two gold chains from the victim’s neck.
Hazell then discharged the firearm into the air and attempted to flee again. The victim tackled him, leading to a physical altercation during which Hazell reportedly shot the victim multiple times.
Following the investigation, VIPD obtained a warrant for Hazell’s arrest. On April 1, 2025, he was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses: first-degree assault, third-degree assault, first-degree robbery, unauthorized possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; possession of ammunition, and grand Larceny
Hazell Jr. was booked and remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending his Advice of Rights hearing. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
“}]] ST. CROIX — A 31-year-old man is in custody after being charged in connection with a February 2024 s… Read More
