Charges Announced in Deadly Crime Spree Targeting Local Business Owners

Paul X. McNeil accused of armed robberies, fatal shooting, and terrorizing multiple victims in Mercer County crimes.

A Mercer County man, Paul X. McNeil, 38, of Trenton, faces federal charges for a string of violent armed robberies targeting local businesses and their owners, including one incident that resulted in a fatal shooting. 

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charges following McNeil’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court.

The Charges and Allegations

McNeil has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery
• Three counts of Hobbs Act robbery
• Murder during and in relation to a crime of violence
• Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
• Two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

If convicted, McNeil faces life imprisonment or the death penalty for the murder charge, along with decades in prison for the other offenses.

“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.

The Crimes:

Court documents detail a chilling series of robberies orchestrated by McNeil, all targeting business owners with access to significant cash proceeds.

$150,000 Heist at Ewing Auto Recycling Shop – September 30, 2022

In his first alleged attack, McNeil and a co-conspirator targeted an employee at an Ewing auto recycling shop. As the employee collected the shop’s daily cash proceeds, McNeil entered the business with a firearm, pointed it at the employee, and stole $150,000 along with the employee’s lawfully registered firearm. Later that day, McNeil used $9,500—in cash—to make a down payment on a new car, handing over ninety-five $100 bills.

Fatal Robbery of Cannabis Shop Owner – August 10, 2023

McNeil’s crimes escalated dramatically in August 2023. Prosecutors allege that McNeil followed the owner of a Trenton cannabis shop from the business to the owner’s Lawrence Township home. Moments after the victim entered the residence, McNeil followed, demanding the business’s cash proceeds. The victim’s spouse, overhearing the confrontation, reported hearing the owner plead, “No, no, no … please, here, you can have it,” before McNeil fatally shot him.

In addition to the cash proceeds, McNeil stole the victim’s jewelry. Law enforcement later recovered photos from McNeil’s cellphone showing him wearing the stolen jewelry, which was also found in his vehicle.

Home Invasion in Ewing – September 23, 2023

In a final incident, McNeil targeted the home of a Trenton-area house-flipping business owner in Ewing. Though the owner wasn’t home, McNeil encountered three individuals, including two minors. Holding them at gunpoint, he zip-tied their hands and forced them into the basement while he searched the home. McNeil stole $4,500 in cash and personal items belonging to the victims. Investigators later found $4,000 and the stolen items in McNeil’s residence.

"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.

Legal Ramifications

The charges against McNeil are severe:

• Murder during a crime of violence: Punishable by life in prison or death.
• Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy: Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
• Firearm-related offenses: Brandishing a firearm carries a mandatory minimum of 7 years, while discharging a firearm mandates at least 10 years. These sentences must run consecutively to any other prison terms imposed. Each charge also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department. U.S. Attorney Sellinger praised the collaborative effort to bring McNeil to justice, crediting the coordinated work of local and federal law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Sunyak are handling the prosecution.

McNeil’s alleged crimes have left a lasting impact on the Trenton-area business community, highlighting the dangers faced by small business owners. From the brazen theft of six-figure sums to the horrifying loss of life, his actions represent a pattern of calculated violence.

While the charges remain allegations at this stage, McNeil will remain in federal custody as the case progresses. If convicted, he faces what could amount to a lifetime behind bars.

As the legal process continues, the community will be watching closely, hoping for closure and justice for the victims of McNeil’s violent spree.