St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – On February 22, 2024, at around 9:44 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center was notified of a gunshot victim being transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital by private vehicle. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his back, abdomen and buttocks.
A detective from the Criminal Investigation Bureau was assigned to this case. Investigation revealed that the suspect, Troy Hazell Jr., agreed to meet with the victim to buy marijuana from him. The suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and agreed to purchase the marijuana. He then exited the vehicle, telling the victim he was going to get the money. When the suspect returned, he was armed with a handgun and informed the victim that he had no money and that he was taking the marijuana. He then took the marijuana and began walking away. The victim followed him demanding that the suspect return the marijuana. At that point, Hazell Jr. turned around and ripped the victim’s two gold chains from his neck. Hazell Jr. discharged the handgun in the air and attempted to walk away again, however the victim tackled Hazell, Jr. and a physical altercation ensued, during which the victim was shot multiple times.
A warrant for Troy Hazell Jr.’s arrest was signed by a Superior Court Judge. On April 1, 2025, 31-year-old Troy Hazell Jr. was taken into custody and charged with Assault in the first degree, Assault in the third degree, Robbery in the first degree, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Possession of Ammunition, and Grand Larceny. He was booked and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.
