ST. CROIX — Authorities have confirmed the identities of the three men tragically found dead Monday morning at the Concordia Dumpsite, following next-of-kin notifications. The victims have been identified as Carlos Parrilla, 60; Fernando Santiago, 49; and Omar Castillo, 37. Police are investigating the incident as a triple homicide, a shocking and heartbreaking event that has left families, friends, and the St. Croix community grieving deeply.
The bodies were discovered at approximately 8:08 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, when a citizen contacted the St. Croix 911 Emergency Communications Center reporting three men with apparent gunshot wounds to the head near the dumpsters in the Concordia area. Responding units from the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched immediately. Upon arrival, all three men were found unresponsive and pronounced deceased at the scene.
Speaking at a briefing later that morning at the site, St. Croix Chief of Police Uston Cornelius described the incident as “an unfortunate incident” and emphasized the need for the community’s assistance in providing information to support the investigation. Detective Chief Marisol Colon Santiago provided additional details, confirming that officers encountered “three unresponsive bodies” and that the victims were adult males. She stressed that authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the killings and are relying heavily on public cooperation.
Investigators specifically urged anyone with knowledge of individuals who frequent the dumpster area in Estate Concordia, or anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or heard gunshots during the early morning hours, to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in activity occurring between approximately 3:00 a.m. and the time the bodies were discovered, noting that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the case.
“As much as it may seem insignificant, any information could be the key to solving this case,” Detective Chief Colon Santiago said, highlighting the importance of community involvement. At the time of the briefing, families had not yet been notified, further underscoring the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation unfolded, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) announced the temporary closure of the Concordia Binsite due to law enforcement activity. VIWMA advised residents to use alternate disposal locations, including the Mon Bijou Binsite, Anguilla Landfill, and Cotton Valley Binsite, and confirmed that the Concordia site would remain closed until further notice. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for its patience and cooperation.
The homicide investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact investigators directly at 340-712-6031 or call 911. Police have assured the community that additional updates will be released as they become available.
The loss of Carlos Parrilla, Fernando Santiago, and Omar Castillo is a profound tragedy, and their families and loved ones are in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. May their memories be cherished, their lives honored, and may justice be brought for these senseless acts of violence.
Our hearts go out to all affected by this heartbreaking incident.
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