By: Richard L. Smith
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, alongside Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo, made a significant announcement today regarding the arrest of a Trenton man in connection with the tragic shooting death of Anthony Irizarry.
The arrest marks a crucial development in a case that has been under investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Lawrence Township Police Department.
Official said Mr. Paul X. McNeil, a 37-year-old resident of Trenton, now faces serious charges stemming from the incident.
McNeil has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree robbery, and three weapons offenses.
He was formally served with these charges this week while being detained at the Mercer County Correction Center on an unrelated case.
The investigation dates back to the early hours of August 11, 2023, when Lawrence Township police received a distressing 911 call reporting a shooting incident at a residence on Mendrey Court.
Officers swiftly responded to the scene, where they discovered 36-year-old Mr. Anthony Irizarry in the living room, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back.
Irizarry was promptly transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for emergency medical care, but tragically, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The loss of Irizarry was a devastating blow to his loved ones and the community as a whole.
The investigation into this heartbreaking incident is still ongoing as authorities work diligently to gather all the facts and evidence surrounding the case. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Information can be provided to MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (609) 989-6406 or Officer in Charge William Jett at (609) 331-5010. Additionally, individuals can email tips to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
The community's cooperation and vigilance are crucial in ensuring that justice is served in this case.
It is essential to remember that despite the charges filed against Paul X. McNeil, he, like every defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.