Man Receives Seven-Year Sentence for Armed Carjacking Incident

In a notable court decision on St. Croix, Zahkeed Bright has been handed a seven-year prison sentence following his guilty plea to a charge of third-degree robbery. This sentence comes after a negotiation process with prosecutors, where more severe accusations, including attempted murder, were dismissed.

In 2023, Bright was apprehended for his involvement in a carjacking incident that took place two years prior, tragically resulting in the death of his accomplice, Kareem Smith. Initially facing a wide range of charges such as attempted murder, first-degree assault, and several firearm-related offenses, Bright opted to accept a plea deal. This agreement significantly reduced his potential time behind bars, dropping all charges except for third-degree robbery and capping his imprisonment at a maximum of seven years.

Judge Douglas Brady, presiding over the case, issued the maximum sentence allowed under the plea agreement—seven years, subtracting 28 days for time already served in pre-trial detention.

Bright is mandated to surrender to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, to commence his sentence, marking the conclusion of a case that has drawn considerable attention to the judicial proceedings on St. Croix.