Bahamas murder climbs to 44

Gun violence has claimed another life on The Bahamas.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) reported that a 38-year-old man was shot dead at a house, which is located at Graham Drive, Yellow Elder Gardens, just after midnight on Sunday.

Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters at the crime scene that the deceased was chatting with his sibling when there was a knock at the door.

“The homeowner opened the door and upon opening the door a male that is known to the family produced a handgun and opened fire on the victim,” Skippings said.

This murder took the country’s 2024 homicide figure to 44.

Skippings said preliminary investigations revealed the man and his killer had a previous dispute.

She called on the country’s men to seek alternative means other than violence to solve their problems.

“Males in particular have got to be able to find different ways to resolve their conflicts by putting aside their egos and understanding that it is a part of everyday living. Conflicts are inevitable, it will definitely happen,” Skippings said.

Skippings urged the suspect to turn himself over to police.

Meanwhile, police have begun an investigation into another shooting that took place around the same time as the homicide.

Skippings said a couple were at their home at Cow Pen Road when they heard someone knocking at their front door.

She said before they could open the door, an armed man broke in an announced a holdup.

The couple was ordered to lie facedown on the floor while the man and an accomplice robbed them.

“The owner of the home recognising that he had a need to protect his home, confronted the first suspect. The homeowner was able to successfully disarm the suspect, shooting him multiple times. During the time that happened, the second suspect produced a firearm and there was an exchange of gunshots. He was able to leave the home unharmed but during the process the female was shot,” Skippings said.

The police spokeswoman said a check of an area near the crime scene result in the discovery of a large cache of drugs and an illegal firearm.

She said the homeowner was arrested in connection with the drugs.