June 28, 2005 – The St. Croix man accused of killing three people in May 2004 has struck a plea bargain with prosecutors in the V.I. Justice Department. In a sealed hearing at Superior Court on St. Croix Monday, Jose Carillo III entered a guilty plea to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of voluntary manslaughter.
He was previously charged with three counts of first-degree murder and related weapons charges.
Carillo was the prime suspect in the shooting death of his girlfriend Natasha Cummings, a Central High School teacher; his two-month old son, Thai and half-brother Wayne Walcott.
The change of plea hearing was held on the day the murder trial was to begin before Judge Edgar D. Ross.
Prosecutors said that all three victims were shot at close range and that a 9 millimeter pistol, licensed to Carillo, was found outside the house. The shootings took place at Carillo's residence at Barren Spot St. Croix on May 15, 2004.
Prosecutors say they will seek a maximum sentence in the case. Carillo is to be sentenced on Sept. 1; until then he is jailed in lieu of $500,000.
bail.
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