Three separate murders in New Providence over the weekend are today under active investigation.
These latest incidents put the country’s murder count at 51 for the year.
This is the second consecutive weekend that police were faced with solving three murders within the span of 72 hours.
The most recent incident took place in western New Providence, when an armed robbery, outside of a business establishment off West Bay Street, turned fatal during the early morning hours Sunday.
Authorities confirmed that the owner of Plantation restaurant, located on Plantation Hill – which sits a few yards behind the high rise Caves Heights condominiums – was shot and killed early Sunday morning.
“Shortly after 1:00 a.m. Sunday, the owner of a business establishment on Plantation Hill was approached by an armed gunman,” said Superintendent Joy Bossfield, who is attached to the Central Detective Unit (CDU).
“The gunman robbed the owner and shot him before fleeing the scene. The owner had reportedly just closed his business establishment early Sunday morning and was preparing to exit the area.”
According to police, 40-year-old Noel Cartwright was approached by an armed mad who shot him while he was driving his vehicle.
Paramedics were called to the scene, however, the victim, police said, succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Less than five hours before that incident, police were called to another murder in southern New Providence.
Police reports indicate that the incident, which took place on St. Vincent Road and Faith Avenue, was also an armed robbery.
“Shortly after 9:00 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a two-story shopping complex on Faith Avenue and St. Vincent Road,” said Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Press Liaison Supt. Shanta Knowles.
“We understand that a lone gunman entered the store. A fight ensued between him and a man who appeared to be an employee.
“He was shot and the assailant is now at large.”
Police confirmed that the two incidents, which occurred Saturday night and early Sunday morning, were not connected.
“This appears to be an isolated incident here tonight,” Supt. Knowles said.
“We are trying to work the motive. We are leading in a direction but we are not going to reveal that at this time, as we are still working the case.
“But what I want to say to members of the public is that, please do not be afraid. We understand there is a need to be afraid but don’t be afraid, as we have officers in all areas of New Providence who have started an operation last evening (Friday).”
The third fatal weekend shooting happened shortly after 12:00 a.m. Saturday.
“We have been made to understand that a man exited a bar here on Crooked Island Street and was approached by a group of men,” revealed Knowles.
“The men opened fire on the man and fled the scene on foot.
“Emergency medical services were called to the scene. They attempted to revive the man, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.”
Police issued an appeal in every instance to anyone with any information to contact them at 911, 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-8477 (TIPS).
