U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea made a statement Thursday addressing the government’s decision to dismiss, without prejudice, criminal charges against Joshawn Ayala and Anthony Schneider in the 2022 homicides of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis Jr., citing insufficient evidence to meet the legal standard of proof required for trial:
Recent media reports have raised questions about the Virgin Islands Department of Justice’s recent decision to move for the dismissal, without prejudice, of criminal charges against Joshawn Ayala and Anthony Schneider in connection with the 2022 homicides of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis Jr.
At this time, the government’s case relies primarily on a single witness linking the defendants to the crimes. That witness gave a statement to the police, but then last month submitted a signed affidavit, sworn under oath, recanting his statement to the police. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It is not enough to show that a defendant might, could, or even probably, have committed a crime. The law requires the prosecutor to produce evidence proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt”. Here, it was the prosecutor’s judgment that evidence at this juncture was insufficient to satisfy that stringent burden of proof. If the case proceeded to trial and the jury failed to convict, the Constitution’s Double Jeopardy Clause would prohibit renewed prosecution even if new evidence comes to light. Hence, the prosecutor moved to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” which made perfect sense. By asking the court to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” the Government preserves the right to again charge the defendants with murder if new evidence is found. Thus, the proper course was
the one the prosecutor followed.
Community cooperation is essential to ensuring that those who commit acts of violence are brought to justice, and that the families and friends of victims receive the closure they deserve. We urge anyone with information related to these cases to come forward and assist law enforcement.
Investigators continue to pursue every lead, and the DOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
We understand the deep pain these unresolved tragedies have caused for the victims’ loved ones and the broader St. Croix community. Justice cannot be served without the active participation of the public—our system relies on it.
