Mother forgives man who killed her son in Bimini

The mother of a 32-year-old man who was shot and killed in North Bimini on Thursday, says she has already found forgiveness for the person accused of the shooting.

James Sands, affectionately known as ‘Boo’, a resident of Abaco but who worked in Bimini, was fatally shot at Fisherman’s Village Marina in Bimini.

His mother, Mary Sands, in a social media post, said she forgives the person who killed her son.

“The young man that killed ‘Boo’, I find it in my heart to forgive him, even though my heart is torn apart. My son is gone at an early age.

“Tell him I forgive him,” she said in a voice note that went viral.

Authorities had issued a wanted poster for 28-year-old Shandae Brown, holding him responsible for the murder. Police said Brown is a Jamaican national and worked on the island.

It is not known the motive for the shooting.

But Mrs Sands said her only desire is for the suspect to receive salvation.

“I want him to surrender his life and heart to God before it [is] a day too late.

“‘Boo’ mommy forgives him. Yes, he killed my baby.

“Surrender his life to God. God is waiting on him. If he [can] only ask God to forgive him. Yes, he killed my baby but I still forgive him,” the distraught mother cried.

Though the mother has found forgiveness, family members of the victim said they have not reached a place of pardon. They believe the suspect fled and may never be prosecuted for the homicide.

Sands’ sister Jimillie, told the Tribune that her brother and the suspect worked at competing car rental companies and Sands had warned them that Brown was jealous of his success.

“He (James) told mummy to keep praying for him at his job. He mentioned that one boy had a problem with him, but he wasn’t paying it much mind because everyone was there to make money.”

Police described Brown as brown-skinned, with light brown eyes and is slim built. He is between 5’10 and 6’ feet tall and weighs between 170-180 pounds.

Police warned that Brown may be armed.