St. Croix Superior Court Tackles Domestic Violence and Weapons Charges in Wednesday Session
COURT BOUND: Cleo A. Taylor, 39, (left) appeared in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, for a competency hearing before Judge Christopher M. Timmons. Taylor is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder and multiple counts of assault following a series of violent incidents in late 2025 involving the white Mercedes-Benz sedan (right) impounded from her residence. (Photos by: VIPD)
By St. Croix Sun Staff
St. Croix Superior Court Tackles Domestic Violence and Weapons Charges in Wednesday Session
CHRISTIANSTED — The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands saw a packed criminal calendar today as the Honorable Christopher M. Timmons presided over a series of hearings ranging from murder competencies to domestic disturbances.
High-Stakes Hearings
Cleo Taylor appeared for a competency hearing regarding a case involving charges of first-degree murder (14 V.I.C. 922(a)(1)) and attempted murder.
Juan Manuel Perez, III and Nia Cruz both faced the court on charges of Contempt of Court and violating domestic violence protection orders.
New Arrests and Advice of Rights The court also conducted Advice of Rights for two individuals recently taken into custody:
Delaney Byron, who is facing a felony weapons charge for the unauthorized possession of a firearm (14 V.I.C. 2253(a)).
Eberson Lazard, who was advised of his rights regarding a charge of disturbance of the peace.
Arraignments and Trials
The afternoon session moved into formal arraignments, where defendants enter their initial pleas:
Francisco Cesar was arraigned on charges of simple assault and domestic violence.
Delli Eduardo appeared for an arraignment on charges of resisting or obstructing an officer.
Jose Luis Manuel Ayala sat for a bench trial related to contempt and domestic violence charges.
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