Two Trenton Men Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Double Homicide

Two individuals from Trenton, Treizon Thompson, aged 23, and Tyzir Hamilton, aged 22, have been handed down a severe punishment by Mercer County Superior Judge Peter E. Warshaw. The men received a state prison sentence of 60 years each, without the possibility of parole, as confirmed by Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri.

The sentencing took place separately on January 4, 2024, following their convictions in separate trials held in December 2022 and September 2023. The state’s request to consecutively run two 30-year sentences was granted by Judge Warshaw, resulting in a combined total of 60 years behind bars for Thompson and Hamilton. The charges against the two individuals included two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a handgun.

The tragic incident under scrutiny occurred on August 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Trenton Police Department patrol officers swiftly responded to reports of a shooting on Centre Street. Upon arrival, they discovered William Irizarry, an 18-year-old, lying on the street near 339 Centre Street. Sadly, Irizarry had sustained multiple fatal gunshot wounds. Another victim, Julius Vargas, also 18 years old, was found inside a corner market with gunshot injuries. Tragically, Vargas succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

An investigation conducted by HTF detectives revealed that prior to the shooting, a black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania license plates, occupied by two black males dressed in black clothing and ski masks, had been observed circling the area. The vehicle later parked nearby, with the occupants carefully observing the victims. It was established that Thompson and Hamilton emerged from the vehicle, identified as the assailants, and proceeded to fire multiple shots at the victims. Even after Irizarry fell to the ground, the assailants continued their assault, chasing him onto the street. Following the shooting, the suspects hastily fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Further inquiries uncovered that the black Chrysler 300 had been stolen from Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Authorities also discovered a partially matching license plate, which was connected to the stolen car.

Significantly, detectives came across a photograph on Irizarry’s Facebook page, displaying disrespect towards the H-Block gang. Monitoring social media posts by gang members, investigators discovered discussions concerning the murders. These discussions included threats and taunts directed at the victims’ friends and family. Prior to his untimely death, references were made to Irizarry’s disrespectful behavior towards the H-Block gang.

A breakthrough in the case occurred during a surveillance operation conducted on September 1, 2020, when HTF detectives spotted the black Chrysler 300 in Trenton. As detectives attempted to identify the occupants, the vehicle abruptly sped off, triggering a pursuit that ultimately ended in a crash. Two black males, dressed entirely in black with their hoods up, fled the crash scene on foot. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a fully-loaded 9mm Taurus handgun beneath the driver’s seat. This firearm was later identified as one of the weapons used in the double homicide.

At the time of their arrest in October 2020, Prosecutor Onofri expressed his gratitude towards the Mercer County Homicide Task Force for their diligent work. He also acknowledged the invaluable assistance provided by the public in solving this tragic double homicide.