Mercer County Man Faces Federal Charges for Armed Robberies and Fatal Shooting

Paul X. McNeil allegedly targeted business owners in a series of violent robberies, including one that resulted in the death of a victim.

Paul X. McNeil, 38, of Trenton, New Jersey, appeared in federal court on charges related to three armed robberies, including one that caused the death of a victim. The charges, announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, include Hobbs Act robbery, murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, and multiple firearms offenses.

Targeting Local Business Owners

According to court documents, McNeil targeted local business owners for their access to cash proceeds. On September 30, 2022, McNeil and a co-conspirator robbed an auto recycling shop in Ewing, New Jersey. Armed with a firearm, McNeil allegedly stole approximately $150,000 in cash and the employee’s registered firearm. Later that day, he used $9,500 in cash to make a down payment on a new car.

On August 10, 2023, McNeil followed a Trenton cannabis shop owner to the owner’s home in Lawrence Township. After forcing his way inside, McNeil allegedly shot and killed the owner while stealing cash proceeds and jewelry. Photographs later recovered from McNeil’s cellphone showed him wearing the victim’s jewelry, which law enforcement found in his possession during the investigation.

On September 23, 2023, McNeil entered the home of a Trenton-area house-flipping business owner in Ewing. While the owner was absent, McNeil encountered three individuals, including two minors, and allegedly held them at gunpoint. He bound their hands with zip ties, forced them into the basement, and stole $4,500 in cash and personal items. Authorities later recovered approximately $4,000 and stolen items from McNeil’s residence.

“These charges allege that the defendant targeted several local business owners for robbery and murdered one of them. 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,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Legal Consequences

McNeil faces severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment for the murder charge. Each count of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Additionally, charges of brandishing and discharging a firearm carry mandatory minimum sentences of seven and ten years, respectively, to run consecutively with other sentences. Each count also carries a potential fine of $250,000.

"We allege McNeil went into an Ewing business, held it up at gunpoint, and while the owner was attempting to hand over money McNeil shot and killed him. We also have evidence showing he also took part in several other brutal attacks and robberies. Violent offenders should take this investigation as a warning that the FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners are pursuing criminals who believe they can act with impunity and not face justice,” Acting SAC Nelson I. Delgado said.

Law Enforcement Investigation

The case was investigated by the FBI, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado; the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, under Acting Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton; and the Ewing Police Department, under Chief Albert Rhodes.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited these agencies for their coordinated efforts in pursuing justice for the victims. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Sunyak.

The charges against McNeil remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.