A 56-year-old woman was shot and later died, and a two-year-old boy was shot in the head and seriously injured off Market Street yesterday – the latest incident in an unrelenting crime wave that has gripped New Providence in recent times.
It was the second murder to happen on the island in less than 24 hours.
Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said three women and the toddler were in a vehicle headed west on Lily of the Valley Corner around 11 a.m. when a gunman emerged from nearby bushes.
The man shot at the car, hitting the woman and toddler, police said.
The shooter fled the scene and Skippings said police later arrested a 27-year-old man of Lily of the Valley Corner in connection with the matter. The suspect is known to police.
The driver of the car took the injured grandmother to the nearby Quakoo Street Police Station where she and the two-year-old were taken inside.
Emergency medical services personnel responded and took them to hospital. Skippings said the woman died at hospital and the child remained in critical condition.
“Something is wrong with that, and I am calling on all right-thinking males and females to step up,” she said.
“We cannot allow a few males who lack home training to continue this scourge in our country. It’s time for us to come out and bind together.
“As an organization, we are waging war on the criminals. We are not going to relent. We will not. We will remain firm. We will remain focused until all of those persons who seek to disrupt this tranquil country are placed before the courts.”
Last night, police said the vehicle in the incident yesterday is owned by the toddler’s brother, who has an ongoing conflict with the suspect.
Police said it is further reported that a few weeks back, the suspect and the mother of the toddler were engaged in a physical altercation, which resulted in the mother being attacked; however, the matter was never reported to the police.
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Prime Minister Philip Davis was deeply disturbed by the incident.
“In this moment of profound sorrow, our hearts also go out to the minor who is currently battling for life in critical condition,” OPM said.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with them and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.
“The prime minister commends the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their swift and effective response in apprehending a suspect. This quick action reflects our law enforcement agencies’ dedication and commitment to ensuring every single Bahamian’s safety and security.
“In light of this tragedy, the government reaffirms its commitment to a cross-government and whole-of-society approach to combating crime. We are dedicated to hunting down any criminal element that seeks to disrupt the peace and harmony of The Bahamas.
“The prime minister emphasizes that there will be zero safe havens in our country for those who choose a path of crime and violence. Every necessary resource will be mobilized, and every legal measure will be enforced to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law.”
Second murder
The other murder happened shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Bell Close, Montell Heights.
Police said a man and a female friend were leaving the female’s relatives when their vehicle experienced mechanical difficulties, which resulted in them waiting in the vehicle.
While they waited, a gunman dressed in dark clothes and wearing a ski mask approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s side door and shot the man multiple times before fleeing.
The victim, who was 28, was taken to hospital where he died. The woman, who was uninjured, sought refuge in the home of a relative.
These matters bring the country’s murder count to 10 for the year. All of the murders have taken place in New Providence.
