Alleged gang member arrested in 2022 Bronx burning car deaths: sources

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) – An alleged gang member has been arrested in connection to the burning car deaths of two people in the Bronx in 2022, sources told PIX11 News on Tuesday.

Rahul Cuya, allegedly part of the "Down the Hill" gang from the Lower East Side, is being considered an accessory to the kidnapping and slaying of 22-year-old Jesse Parrilla and 22-year-old Nikki Huang, sources said. The two friends were shot in the head and then set on fire inside Parrilla's silver Honda near a golf course in May 2022, according to authorities.

Cuya allegedly facilitated a round-up of cars at the Baruch Houses after the kidnappings of Parrilla and Huang, sources said. He wasn't at the scene of the burning car, but is still being considered in the crime, according to sources.

Huang's designer bag and phone were stolen after she finished work at her family's restaurant, sources previously told PIX11 News. Huang's mother, Amy Chan, said her daughter was locked out of the family's apartment that day.

Sources said Huang complained to a friend, who was affiliated with the "Up the Hill" gang, about the theft. Several hours later, alleged "Down the Hill" gang member Brandon Atkinson was shot and killed outside of a deli, according to sources.

Atkinson's half-brother, Steven Santiago, is believed to be a major player in the kidnappings and deaths, sources said.

Santiago is still being sought by police, according to authorities. He was indicted “in absentia” for murder, according to sources.

Two other men, along with Cuya, were indicted for the deaths and kidnappings, sources said. They're currently serving time in an upstate prison after being convicted of other crimes, according to sources.

A total of five people have been indicted in connection to the incident, sources said.

This story comprises of reporting from Mary Murphy.