Elvin Wrensford, Craig Muller, Murder and Firearm Offenses, Virgin Islands 2015

A federal jury on St. Croix convicted Elvin Wrensford, 29, and Craig Muller, 30, of first degree murder and related firearm offenses, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Delroy Richards announced today.

The convictions came after a two-week trial. On March 24, 2015, the jury delivered its verdict, finding Wrensford guilty of possession of a firearm in a school zone, using a firearm during a violent crime, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, murder first degree, and unauthorized possession of a firearm. Muller was convicted of possession of a firearm in a school zone, murder first degree, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Murder in the first degree carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without parole. Both defendants were detained pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.

The evidence presented at trial established that on May 10, 2012, Wrensford and Muller were in a red truck and got into an altercation with an individual at Ben's Car Wash. They followed the individual but then left the area and returned later in the red truck, Muller driving. They chased Hendricks, who had left Ben's Car Wash, and Wrensford fired a gun at him. On May 12, 2012, Hendricks died from the gunshot wounds. Wrensford was linked to the firearm by DNA evidence. An eyewitness identified Wrensford as the shooter and Muller as the driver of the red truck.

The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso Andrews, Jr. and Rhonda Williams-Henry.

The defendants will face a mandatory life sentence without parole. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Virgin Islands Police Department to holding accountable those who engage in violent crime.

Defendant's Name: Elvin Wrensford

Criminal Charges: First degree murder, possession of a firearm in a school zone, using a firearm during a violent crime, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, murder first degree, and unauthorized possession of a firearm

City and State: St. Croix, USVI

Exact Date: May 10, 2012 (crime date), March 24, 2015 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: Mandatory life sentence without parole

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi/pr/jury-convicts-two-st-croix-men-murder-and-related-firearm-offenses