From left to right, mugshots of Enock Cole, 25, and Jiovoni Smith, 24. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today the indictment of Enock Cole, 25, and Jiovoni Smith, 24, by a federal grand jury. The charges are in connection with a robbery and homicide that took place at the Castaways bar and restaurant in St. Croix on November 14, 2018.
The indictment formally charges both Cole and Smith with several serious offenses, including Hobbs Act Robbery, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence Resulting in Death, Use of a Minor in a Crime of Violence, and First-Degree Murder. The two men are scheduled for their initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III on February 1, 2024.
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment. The final sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors.
This case is a part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, a nationwide effort to reduce violent crime by fostering collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders. More information about this initiative can be found at the Department of Justice's website.
The investigation into this case was conducted by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Daniel H. Huston are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Smith emphasizes that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. Cole and Smith are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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