ST. CROIX — Angelo Javier Carmona, who was 15 years old at the time he fatally shot 38-year-old Jordan “Dutty Heart” Jones, pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter and ammunition possession.
The plea resolved a case that was on track for trial Monday and that had already seen one plea agreement rejected by the court.
Carmona, who was charged as an adult, appeared in person before Judge Venetia Velázquez for a change-of-plea hearing. A conviction was entered, according to court documents.
Under the agreement, Carmona pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and to one count of possession of ammunition, during a robbery gone bad on June 5, 2025, on the Christiansted boardwalk. The prosecution agreed to recommend incarceration of up to 10 years on the manslaughter count and up to seven years on the ammunition count, as set by statute, and to dismiss the remaining counts with prejudice. Carmona could receive a maximum sentence of up to 17 years if the counts are run consecutively.
During the fatal daylight shooting on the boardwalk, a bullet also grazed a bystander. Carmona, who was arrested the same day as the shooting, had originally faced nine counts stemming from the shooting: first-degree murder charged under two different statutes, first-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, first-degree robbery, unauthorized possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of ammunition.
Friday’s guilty plea came after the court rejected a previous plea agreement, under which Carmona would plead guilty to second-degree murder, with a sentence ranging from zero to 15 years. Velázquez, however, informed the parties earlier this month that the court did not intend to accept the plea agreement. The new deal allows her to sentence him for more than 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13.
Carmona was represented by Territorial Public Defender Sonsirez Robles. The prosecution was represented by Assistant Attorney General Jasmine Griffin.
