Rahul Cuya went before a judge on Wednesday afternoon for his alleged involvement in the double homicide of Nikki Huang and Jesse Parilla.
Cuya is the second person to be arrested in this ongoing investigation. Jahmel Sanders, 31, was arrested last year. Both Sanders and Cuya face a slew of charges, including arson, murder and manslaughter.
Prosecutors say that Huang and Parrilla were driven around the city, commuting between Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. They say that another person was shot in the face when they were in Queens, before Huang and Parrilla were taken back to Manhattan before going to the Bronx.
While in the Bronx along Shore Road near Pelham Split Rock golf course, Huang and Parrilla were shot and killed. After being shot, their bodies were set on fire and burned with the silver Honda they were in.
Cuya pleaded not guilty to all charges. It was stated in the courtroom that Cuya has a criminal history with two open cases.
The manhunt continues for another suspect in the double homicide – 34-year-old Steven Santiago, who police believe played a major role in the kidnappings and murder.