Dutty Heart Killer Gets 17 Years

A.J. Pike

St. Croix - V.I. Superior Court Judge Venetia Harvey Velazquez, sentenced Angelo Javier Carmona to 17 years in prison on St. Croix for the fatal shooting of beloved local comedian Jordan “Dutty Heart” Jones. 

Although the circumstances surrounding the murder continue to remain under contention by local witnesses, Dutty Heart, who was 38-years old at the time, was gunned down by 15-year old Angelo Javier Carmona  on June 5, 2025, shortly after noon in what was reported as an attempted robbery of a gold chain necklace on the Christiansted Boardwalk. 

Mr. Carmona pleaded guilty in August 2026 for the murder of Mr. Jones. He has been in custody since the day he was quickly arrested for the homicide. Within days of his arrest, prosecutors announced their intent to try Mr. Carmona as an adult. He was initially charged with First Degree Murder, multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment, robbery, and multiple gun and ammunition charges. The case against Mr. Carmona raised constitutional questions about trying a minor for First-Degree Murder given the fact he was 15-years old at the time he committed the fatal crime. 

“A juvenile may in fact be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole under appropriate circumstances,” stated Judge Velazquez.

The initial plea deal allowed Mr. Carmona to plead guilty to Second Degree Murder which carries a sentence of up to five years. But the plea agreement that was hashed out called for a sentencing of up to 15 years. Eventually he wound up pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years, and possession of ammunition which carries up to seven years.