ST. CROIX - Attempted murder and related charges against a 25-year-old man in connection to a 2007 shooting were dismissed in V.I. Superior Court on Monday.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Darryl Donohue granted motion submitted by prosecutors that dismissed charges of first-degree assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, reckless endangerment and possession of ammunition against Stephen Hodge, in a Nov. 23, 2007, shooting in Bethlehem Village housing community where he lives.

Assistant Attorney General Joseph Ponteen said in the motion that he was seeking the dismissal because the shooting victim has refused to cooperate.

He said without the active participation of the man, who was 21 at the time of the shooting, prosecutors would not be able to meet the burden of proof at trial.

He asked that the case be dismissed without prejudice, giving them the option of refiling the case at a later date.

According to an affidavit filed by Police Detective Anthony Hector, police received a report at 1:33 p.m. Nov. 23 for assistance for a shooting victim in Estate Profit.

Hector wrote that the male victim was talking with a woman outside the woman's home when Hodge approached them, pulled out a silver handgun and began firing.

The woman said the victim pushed her out of the way and into the house and attempted to use his body to shield her from the gunshots. Once inside, she discovered that he was bleeding, court documents stated. A neighbor took the victim to Luis Hospital where he was treated for gunshot wounds to his face and left shoulder, police said.

Police have said the shooting may be related to a shooting reported in the area just hours before when one of Hodge's brothers was shot.

Hodge had been jailed with bail set at $250,000 and now has been released from custody.

- Contact reporter Fiona Stokes at 774-8772 or e-mail stokes@dailynews.vi.