The Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has expanded its Hawaii cold case squad to 10 members, comprising special agents and investigators working on numerous unsolved cases across the islands. Among their top priorities is the 2002 disappearance of active-duty Navy member Victorio Santiago and his two sons, as well as the 1980 double murder of two Marines in East Honolulu.
Phil Camero, an NCIS investigator and retired Honolulu police officer, has been following the Marines’ case since his early days on the force, hoping for new leads to finally bring justice to the victims’ families. Established in 1995, the NCIS cold case unit is now utilizing advancements in DNA and other crime-solving technologies to make progress. “We apply the latest technology,” said Elizabeth Pierri, NCIS deputy director of operational support.
Special Agent James Curry acknowledged the frustration when leads go cold or suspects are deceased but emphasized the importance of providing families with answers. NCIS handles cases involving both service members and civilians on military bases, whether they occur domestically or overseas.
“Families send their sons and daughters to serve, and we care about every single case,” said Pierri. NCIS encourages the public to visit their website for a list of wanted and missing persons and to submit any tips that could assist in solving these cases.
