Every Life Lost Is One Too Many
The Virgin Islands recorded its first two murders of 2026 in July: K’Moi Walers was shot on July 6 at Huntum’s Ghut and businessman Kai de Castro was killed in Brewers Bay on July 28. In a video statement released August 1, Acting Commissioner of Police Ullger urged the community to help end the violence and warned that those who choose violence "will face the full force of the law," while the RVIPF steps up visible policing and investigative efforts (reported by Virgin Islands News Online).
The Virgin Islands recorded its first two murders for 2026 in July, a grim development for the territory’s close-knit communities. K’Moi Walers died from a gunshot wound on July 6 at Huntum’s Ghut, and local businessman Kai de Castro was killed in Brewers Bay on July 28. Acting Commissioner of Police (ACoP) Ullger addressed the incidents in a video statement released on August 1, urging residents to confront the violence and support investigations. "It is with deep sadness that we find ourselves confronting a level of violence that has shaken our islands," he said, adding that "every single life lost on our islands is one life too many." The comments and details were reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Ullger delivered a strong warning to those responsible for the killings. "To those who choose violence, let me be equally clear: the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will not relent. We will pursue every lead, every suspect, and every opportunity to bring offenders before the courts," he said in the video. "Those who seek to terrorise our communities should know they will face the full force of the law.
We will not relent until those responsible are identified, arrested, and brought before the courts," he added, according to VINO. The ACoP said investigators are working "tirelessly using every available resource and lawful investigative tool" to identify suspects and ensure accountability.
He also said the RVIPF is maintaining a visible policing presence across the islands and is coordinating closely with partner agencies to keep communities safe places to live, work, and visit. Ullger appealed directly to residents to help break the cycle of silence that can hamper investigations. "You are our ears and eyes and the safety of the territory depends on every one of us," he said, urging people not to allow "fear, silence or indifference" to become the norm.
He warned that investigators often encounter silence from those who may know more than they disclose and stressed that even the smallest piece of information could be key to delivering justice and preventing further tragedy. The ACoP offered reassurance that information provided to police will be treated seriously and handled with confidence where appropriate.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368 9512, or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800 8477 (or 284 800 8477 from overseas), as noted in the VINO report. The recent killings have reverberated across the territory, underscoring the human toll of violent crime in a small jurisdiction.
Ullger encouraged residents not to let these tragedies define the Virgin Islands but to let them strengthen collective resolve "to protect one another, to reject violence and to build an even safer future for our children and the generations to come." The video statement and details were reported by Virgin Islands News Online.
Primary source: VINO