BREWERS BAY, Tortola — The British Virgin Islands has been left in shock following the fatal shooting of well-known restaurateur Kai DeCastro, whose death marks the Territory’s second murder in less than a month and has cast a sombre shadow over this year’s Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival celebrations.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Brewers Bay area on Tuesday, July 28. Upon arrival, they discovered DeCastro suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have since launched a homicide investigation and say detectives are actively pursuing all available leads to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
DeCastro, a familiar and respected figure in the local hospitality industry, was widely known through his restaurant business and had built strong relationships with residents, visitors, and members of the wider community. News of his death spread rapidly across social media Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of grief, tributes, and expressions of disbelief.
Tuesday’s fatal shooting marks the Territory’s second homicide in July, and comes just a couple weeks after the first recorded murder of 2026, ending what had been an unusually long period without a homicide in the Virgin Islands.
The year’s first murder occurred in Huntums Ghut, where K’moi Walters was shot and killed. That incident also sparked widespread concern and remains under active police investigation.
With two fatal shootings occurring within weeks of each other, many residents are expressing concern that gun violence is once again threatening the peace and security of the Territory.
The latest tragedy comes as the Virgin Islands is in the midst of its annual Emancipation Festival, the Territory’s largest cultural celebration. What is normally a period of music, cultural pride, family reunions, and community festivities has instead been overshadowed by tragedy, leaving many to reflect on the growing impact of violent crime during a season traditionally associated with joy and togetherness.
The annual festival attracts thousands of residents, returning Virgin Islanders, and visitors from across the Caribbean and diaspora. However, this year’s celebrations have been tempered by the loss of two lives to gun violence in the span of a single month.
The RVIPF is appealing to anyone who witnessed Tuesday’s shooting or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9512. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing, nor have they indicated whether the shooting was targeted or if any suspects have been identified.
As investigators continue their work, DeCastro’s death has renewed calls for stronger action to address gun violence and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. For many Virgin Islanders, the loss of another member of the community during the Territory’s most cherished celebration is a painful reminder that the fight against violent crime remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Guavaberry Media extends deepest condolences to Kai’s family, friends and colleagues.