TRENTON, New Jersey — Paul X. McNeil, 38, of Trenton, appeared in federal court facing a slew of serious charges tied to a string of armed robberies across the Trenton area, including a murder during one of the robberies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, announced the charges, which include conspiracy to commit robbery, three counts of robbery, murder during a violent crime, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of brandishing a firearm.
According to court documents, McNeil’s crime spree began on August 10, 2023, when he followed the owner of a Trenton cannabis shop to Lawrence Township. Once at the victim’s home, McNeil robbed the owner at gunpoint, and after the victim pleaded for his life, McNeil shot and killed him.
On September 23, 2023, McNeil committed another robbery at the home of a house-flipping business owner in Ewing, where he confronted three victims, including two minors. He forced them into the basement while binding their hands with zip ties and stealing $4,500 in cash and personal items. Some of these items were later found at McNeil’s residence.
The crime spree continued on September 30, 2022, when McNeil, along with a co-conspirator, robbed an auto recycling shop in Ewing, taking $150,000 in cash and a registered firearm after McNeil pointed a gun at an employee.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger commented on the case, emphasizing that McNeil’s violent actions targeted local business owners and culminated in a murder.
“These charges allege that the defendant targeted several local business owners for robbery and murdered one of them,” Sellinger said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with its federal and local law enforcement partners, will spare no effort to investigate and prosecute violent offenders who target the businesses and residents of New Jersey.”
McNeil remains in custody, facing severe penalties if convicted of the charges.