Acting Interim Commissioner of Police (CoP), Richard Ullger, has said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is actively seeking to solve the two murders which occurred in the Virgin Islands (VI) and called on the public to assist in whatever way they can. Photo: Facebook

K'moi Walters, 26, died after sustaining a gunshot wound during an incident in the early hours of July 6 at Huntum’s Ghut. Photo: Team of Reporters/File

Kai de Castro was the proprietor and owner of Main Street Restaurant. He was shot and killed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and was found along the road running parallel to the Brewers Bay Beach. Photo: Team of Reporters

The VI have recorded two murders for 2026 so far, both occurring in July. K’Moi Walers died from a gunshot wound sustained during an altercation on July 6, 2026, at Huntum’s Ghut and local businessman Kai de Castro was killed in Brewers Bay on July 28, 2026. 

In a video statement released on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Ullger called the VI a place long blessed with remarkable beauty, resilient and having good people. 

“It is therefore with deep sadness that we find ourselves confronting a level of violence that has shaken our islands. Since the beginning of this year, we have recorded 2 murders. While that number may appear to be small when compared to large jurisdictions, every single life lost on our islands is one life too many.”

The impact of these murders, he said, is devastating and is not simply crime statistics, but represents lives taken, dreams cut short, and families destroyed. 

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with every family affected by these senseless acts of violence. We grieve with you, and we stand with you.”

RVIPF committed to bringing justice 

Ullger assured the people of the VI that the RVIPF is “fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice”. Investigators, he said, are working tirelessly using every available resource and lawful investigative tool to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable. 

The Acting CoP said policing alone cannot solve this problem as crime is not just a police issue. 

“You are our ears and eyes and the safety of the territory depends on every one of us…We cannot allow fear, silence or indifference to become our normal. It is sad to always learn that our officers investigating these heinous crimes often meet silence from those who know more than what they disclose. If you know something that could assist our investigators, I urge you to come forward.”

Ullger said the smallest piece of information may be the key to delivering justice and preventing another tragedy. He also assured persons who may have information that it will be treated with the utmost seriousness and confidence where appropriate. 

Those who may have information should contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit on 368 9512 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 800 8477 or 284 800 8477 from overseas.