Two Murders Too Many; Police Will Not Relent – Ullger

Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger has declared that two murders in one year are two too many for the Virgin Islands, particularly as both fatal shooting incidents occurred during July.

In a video message posted on the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s page today August 1, Ullger reflected on the deaths of K’moi Walters and businessman Kai de Castro, while assuring the public that police will relentlessly pursue those responsible.

“Since the beginning of this year, we have recorded two murders. While that number may appear to be small when compared to larger jurisdictions, every single life lost on our islands is one life too many,” Ullger stated.

“Both of these tragic incidents occurred during the month of July, and their impact has been devastating,” he added.

Ullger stressed that the victims should not be viewed simply as crime statistics, noting that their deaths have left families and friends grieving.

“They represent lives that have been taken, dreams that have been cut short and families whose lives have been destroyed and will never be the same again,” he said.

The Commissioner extended condolences to the families of Walters and de Castro, describing the killings as senseless acts of violence that have shaken the close-knit Virgin Islands community.

He assured residents that investigators are working tirelessly and using every available resource and lawful investigative tool to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable before the courts.

“To those who choose violence, let me be equally clear: the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will not relent,” Ullger warned.

“We will pursue every lead, every suspect and every opportunity to bring offenders before the courts. Those who seek to terrorise our communities should know that they will face the full force of the law.”

He added that officers continue to maintain a visible presence across the Territory and are working closely with partners to keep communities safe.

Need Public's Help

However, he acknowledged that the police cannot solve crime without the public’s assistance.

“Crime is not just a police issue. It is a community issue. Your ears and eyes, and the safety of the Territory, depend on every one of us,” he stated.

Ullger appealed to parents, churches, schools, businesses, community leaders and law-abiding residents to unite against violence, warning that fear, silence and indifference must not become the norm.

He expressed concern that officers investigating serious crimes are often met with silence from people who may have critical information.

“If you know something that could assist our investigators, I urge you to come forward. The smallest piece of information may be the key to delivering justice for those grieving families and preventing another tragedy,” he said.

If you have information that can assist the Police, contact us immediately at 368-9512, 311, or Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.

Ullger urged the community not to allow the two murders to define the Virgin Islands, but to use the tragedies to strengthen its resolve to reject violence, protect one another and safeguard the Territory’s future.