Trenton Men Receive 60-Year State Prison Sentence for Double Homicide

TRENTON MEN SENTENCED TO 60 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR DOUBLE HOMICIDE

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – In a significant development, two Trenton men, Treizon Thompson, 23, and Tyzir Hamilton, 22, were each sentenced to 60 years in state prison without parole this week, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. The sentences were handed down by Mercer County Superior Judge Peter E. Warshaw on January 4, 2024, in separate court appearances. These convictions mark a major victory for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the justice system at large.

Both Thompson and Hamilton were found guilty by Mercer County juries in December 2022 and September 2023, respectively, on multiple counts of the indictment. The charges include two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a handgun. These serious offenses warranted a decisive response from the court, and Judge Warshaw granted the state’s request to run two 30-year sentences consecutively, resulting in a total of 60 years in state prison for both defendants.

The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred on August 9, 2020, when the Trenton Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in progress on Centre Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims, William Irizarry, 18, and Julius Vargas, 18, who had been shot. Tragically, Irizarry succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Vargas later died from his gunshot wound at the hospital. The investigation, led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, uncovered crucial evidence that ultimately linked Thompson and Hamilton to the heinous crime.

Detectives were able to identify a suspect vehicle, a black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates, and two shooters described as black males wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. Surveillance footage revealed that the vehicle had been circling the area before the shooting, observing the victims from a distance. Thompson and Hamilton, armed with firearms, exited the vehicle and proceeded to chase and shoot at Irizarry as he desperately tried to escape. The brazen nature of the crime shocked the community and necessitated an extensive investigation.

Further examination of the evidence revealed that the black Chrysler 300 had been stolen in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, a few days prior to the incident. Detectives were able to link the vehicle to the crime scene through partial matching of the license plate. Additionally, a forensic examination of Irizarry’s cell phone led investigators to a photo on his Facebook page, which disrespected the H-Block gang. This discovery, coupled with social media posts from gang members taunting and threatening the victims’ friends and family, further solidified the prosecution’s case.

The breakthrough in the investigation occurred on September 1, 2020, when HTF detectives encountered the black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates while conducting surveillance in Trenton. The occupants of the vehicle attempted to flee but crashed into a telephone pole, enabling law enforcement to close in on them. Although the suspects managed to escape on foot, valuable evidence was recovered from the scene. Notably, a fully-loaded Taurus handgun, later identified as one of the murder weapons, was found under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

The tireless efforts of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, in collaboration with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, were instrumental in bringing Thompson and Hamilton to justice. Their meticulous investigation, combined with the invaluable assistance provided by the public, played a pivotal role in solving this double homicide. Prosecutor Onofri expressed his gratitude to the community, stating, “The help of the public in solving this double homicide was instrumental… allowing investigators to connect the dots and follow leads from the very beginning.”

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutors Kathleen M. Petrucci and Michael C. Borgos skillfully prosecuted the cases on behalf of the state, presenting a compelling argument that resulted in the convictions. The dedication and expertise demonstrated by the prosecution team were pivotal in securing the maximum sentences for Thompson and Hamilton. The successful outcome of this case serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

As the Trenton community looks back at this tragic event, they can find solace in knowing that justice has been served. The sentencing of Thompson and Hamilton sends a clear message that acts of violence will not go unpunished, and the perpetrators will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The families of the victims can now find closure, and the community can begin to heal from this senseless act of violence that shook them to their core.