homicide

Before seventy-two-year-old Vernencha Butler died tragically last week Saturday, she sewed beautiful wedding dresses for many brides in the country.

She was a seamstress for a bridal salon, The Wright Dress.

Owner Jasmine Wright called her “the heart and soul” of the company.

“[She] poured her talent and love into every stitch.”

Butler’s death shocked the country when she was discovered by her son and grandson lying on the floor of her home, assaulted and dead, minutes after she arrived from her sister’s birthday celebration. Police said the intruder strangled her and was found sitting nude on her bed.

Butler’s son and grandson captured the intruder before police arrived. But unfortunately, they could not save Butler.

Wright lamented she was “our beloved” seamstress.

“Her creativity, innovation and sheer skill transformed countless pieces of clothing into works of art.

“A true miracle worker, she had an unmatched ability to bring visions to life.”

Butler survived breast cancer and touched many lives.

“She will always be remembered as a legendary figure and an irreplaceable part of our journey,” Wright said.

Butler was related to Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander who expressed sorrow over her death at a press conference. “It really hit home to me because it’s family from San Salvador.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis also paid tribute to her in the House of Assembly. She was a resident of his constituency.

Jayvon Forbes, 25, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, with both of his arms in bandages, charged with Butler’s death.

The loved ones of a Bahamian woman killed in Turks and Caicos Island were in utter shock when they learn of her sudden and brutal death.

Her sister Cindy Jarrett is heartbroken.

“I am so broken that my beautiful sister’s life was taken; a hardworking, loving, young lady.”

Forty-seven-year-old Aiesha Williams is originally from Grand Bahama but relocated to TCI some time ago, establishing G&A Juicy Juicy Burgers, a food business with her husband Jevanio Williams who was also tragically killed last year.

Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force reported that her lifeless body was discovered in the Blue Hills area on Tuesday, and they were still investigating the circumstances.

TCI local news Magnetic Media reported that she was shot multiple times when an intruder entered the sliding door of her residence.

Her niece Tracey said in a social media post, “My heart is broken Auntie. We lost your husband last year and you survived the shooting. Now this? I’m so confused.”

Tracey is referring to an incident on August 23 when the couple’s truck was fired upon by gunmen, injuring them. Jervanio died two days later in hospital.

Friend Lathoia Douglas now remembers them as “an awesome power couple.”

Relatives told the Tribune they were preparing to travel to the island to find out more about what happened to Williams.

Her death is classified as TCI’s 42nd murder for the year.

Principles of law and justice are pillars that uphold every society. And the timely execution of sentences is a cornerstone of these principles.

As the adage goes, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied.’

The prompt and fair administration of justice is necessary for the Bahamas. It fosters a sense of security and trust in the legal system, which is important for maintaining public order and morale.

On Monday, three men were killed at once when gunmen shot into a crowd, purportedly targeting a murder suspect on bail. It was then Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander revealed that 178 murder suspects are on bail in the country, which is startling.

“If we don’t address that, to get some of those individuals behind bars for their safety, some other people will die,” Fernander warned on the crime scene yesterday. “We don’t want any innocent people to get caught up in that.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis too seemed alarmed at the figure when he was addressed by reporters. He said, “And that’s only what is already in the system.

“Every so often, more are added to that number. The system can only accommodate so many. These trials are taking more than two and three months. So, we have 170 trials that are outstanding.

“What does that mean? That’s almost ten years to clean it up.”

He speaks of a sluggish justice system that churns murder suspects back in the street after they have committed an alleged heinous act.

When the wheels of justice grind too slowly, the impact on society is profound. A delay in executing sentences can erode the public’s faith in the legal framework, giving rise to a dangerous perception of impunity. This perception, if left unchecked, can embolden criminals and undermine the very fabric of law and order.

The biblical scripture, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil,” rings true.

The Bahamian legal system is tasked with balancing the scales of justice. On one side, the rights of the accused must be safeguarded—ensuring that due process is not just a promise but a practice. On the other, there is a pressing need for the legal system to deliver timely and effective justice for victims. This balance reflects the values of fairness and equity.

Michael Pintard, leader of the Free National Movement has called for the revocation of bail for murder suspects who pose a danger to the public and a timely execution of court cases.

The timely execution of sentences serves as a deterrent to crime and a reassurance to the community that their safety is a priority. It is also a testament to the rule of law and the belief that no one is above it.

For the Bahamas, justice should be swift and fair.

After Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander revealed that more than 170 people were on bail for murder, Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed shock, estimating that it could take ten years to get them through the court system.

A triple murder in Fox Hill on Monday has loudened cries for the government to revoke bail for suspects involved in murder cases. The gunmen were reportedly looking for a man who was on bail but instead shot three other men on the scene. Their target escaped and is now in police custody.

Fernander has categorized this latest murder as a retaliatory killing, then revealed that 178 young men are on bail for murder, expressing fear that the murder count, which stands at 102, could surge as a result.

“If we don’t address that, to get some of those individuals behind bars for their safety, some other people will die. We don’t want any innocent people to get caught up in that.”

Davis in response said, “That’s an overwhelming statistic – over 170 persons out of bail for murder.

“And that’s only what is already in the system. Every so often, more are added to that number. The system can only accommodate so many. These trials are taking more than two and three months. So, we have 170 trials that are outstanding. What does that mean? That’s almost ten years to clean it up.”

Leader of the Free National Movement Michael Pintard called on the government to take immediate action.

“The government appears lost, unable to act alone or work with community partners to stop the violence that’s devastating our communities. Their lack of coordination or urgency to address these tragedies is only fueling fear and anxiety about what may happen tomorrow.

“This is not the time for paralysis. Now is the time for action.”

Pintard suggested that the government speed up trials because “it takes too long to go to trial in serious cases, especially for murder”; and restore public trust in a system that many perceive does not work for victims.

Davis said the government has brought on more judges for faster trials to take place but believes the public won’t see the effect of changes, immediately.

The Bahamas is facing a stark reality that contrasts its idyllic image. Violent crime, particularly the incident in Fox Hill on Monday evening, stirred fear and demands urgent action after the brutal killing of three men at once.

The murder count which is now 102, is a grim milestone for the year, signaling a deeper societal issue that requires not just law enforcement but a collective societal response. Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander’s call for stricter bail conditions is a step towards accountability, but it also raises questions about the effectiveness of the current justice system in deterring crime.

The cycle of retaliation, highlighted by the 178 men on bail for murder, points to a systemic problem of recurring violence. This cycle endangers those directly involved and the innocent bystanders who become collateral damage in revengeful acts.

The recent shooting in Fox Hill is a harrowing example, where a family’s fear for their loved ones’ safety became a reality.

Commissioner Fernander’s relief that no children were harmed during the ordeal is shared by all, but it’s a small consolation in an incident that should never have occurred.

His description of the shooting as “very bold” underscores the brazenness of criminals who no longer operate in the shadows but in broad daylight, challenging the rule of law and the safety of the community.

The commissioner’s advice for the public to be cautious of their associations is prudent, yet it also reflects a troubling reality where the social fabric is being tested.

As the police commit to “smoke out” those responsible, the community awaits justice and peace.

It requires a holistic approach that involves policymakers, the judicial system, community leaders, educators,  and citizens to create a society where crime does not thrive.

The Bahamas is at a crossroads, where the choice is clear: succumb to the shadows of crime or stand united to reclaim our country.

Featured Photos: The Tribune (Nikia Charlton) | Nassau Guardian (Travis Carroll)

When friends learned that the man killed off Carmichael Road on Thursday morning was Lenny Rolle whom they loved and cherished, they were in disbelief.

“Why?” Samuel Taylor questioned in a social media post.

He is believed to be in his 50’s.

Police said he was killed while at a scrap metal yard sometime before noon when a lone gunman shot him and then fled in a dark-colored vehicle. Friends said he was the owner and operator of the yard.

“He would have given the shirt off his back,” Mede Patton said, expressing Rolle’s kindness.

Dexter Dean remembers him as “a sweet person.”

“I just talked to you Tuesday night,” he recalled.

Denricka Gardiner, another friend, described him as, “a giant of a man.”

Two months ago, a Haitian man, Noel Vilma, 43, who also worked at the scrap metal yard, was also shot and killed, only a few feet from where Rolle died.

READ| ‘He didn’t trouble anyone’: Friends grieve man robbed and killed at scrapyard

Friends are pondering if there is a connection. Police said they are still looking into the matter to determine a link.

Harold Brown said when he last saw Rolle, they discussed the upcoming funeral for Vilma. “Now today, you gone. Life is really something else.”

Featured images: Conchalay Conchalar

The man killed on Wednesday afternoon near Wilson Track and Palm Beach Avenue, left many friends in disbelief, recalling their last conversation with the victim.

Though police have not officially identified him, friends affectionately called him ‘C.J’ and ‘Gucci’.

One friend who did not want to be identified said she had just spoken to him on Tuesday before his tragic demise.

Police said ‘CJ’ became the country’s 91st murder victim for the year when two men approached him as he sat in an open vicinity of a residence around 4:45 pm. He was shot multiple times in the upper body.

A video circulated shows the victim lying face up with multiple gunshot wounds to his body, as a man sitting next to his body, quietly weeps. A crowd looks on awaiting the arrival of police officers.

“You and me just talk[ed] and you asked me how [I] and the boys were doing,” Takida Smith, a friend of the victim lamented.

She described him as “a true friend” with a “heart of gold.”

“You were like a brother to me,” she wrote to social media.

Police said though he was not monitored with an electronic monitoring device, the victim was known to them for nonviolent offenses.

Another friend, Tiffanell Brown like many of his friends, is still reeling from shock since learning of the death and was struggling to come to terms with his violent passing.

“You just told me you want[ed ]to leave Nassau and [asked] what you needed to do. I said, ‘Deal with that police record.’ Now you gone…Now I have to just cherish the memories I have with you.”

The unexpected demise of Carlos Joseph has left many in shock. Described as a “humble” and “mannerly” individual, Joseph was known for his routine life, often going straight to work and returning to the home where he was tragically shot and killed while holding his baby as a 6-year-old child sat in the vehicle.

The grandmother of the girls who has requested anonymity, said 27-year-old Joseph sometimes stayed at the house in Flamingo Gardens with his girlfriend, where they lived as a family.

His demeanor left a lasting impression on them, with the grandmother recalling, “I can’t say how he presented himself to other people, but to me, that’s how he presented himself.”

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings acknowledged previous interactions with Joseph but withheld further comments.

Joseph has left his mother and relatives in the United States heartbroken. His aunts, cousins, and sisters who still live in the Bahamas are struggling to piece together the events that led to his demise.

Joseph a waiter, was returning home on Tuesday with the two children after school pickup, when an unidentified assailant, driving a white Japanese vehicle, confronted and shot him multiple times.

The children, although physically unharmed, are left without their beloved father figure, whose family told the Tribune, he had dreams of marrying their mother and legally adopting the six-year-old girl.

The grandmother of the children expressed gratitude that her grandchildren were spared from physical harm, “I serve a big God. He shielded them because any one of those bullets could have exited him and hit my grandchild, but none of them did. So God shielded them, and because of God, you have to be thankful they’re still here.”

Police are actively investigating the murder, which occurred around 3 pm, and are seeking information on the gunman who fled the scene. The family is now focusing on the emotional well-being of the children, with the grandmother seeking counseling for her older granddaughter to cope with the trauma.

A mother is now devastated after learning that her children must now live without their father who was killed on Monday at a bar on Soldier Road.

The mother who prefer not be named, shared children with thirty-four-year-old Valentino Bowe.

“[Monday] was supposed to be my daughter’s first day of school. She was eager and happy to go back to school, but instead, today is the beginning of a fatherless life with a broken heart and a void no one but God can fill,” she said in a social media post.

Bowe was shot when police said two gunmen emerged from a wall at a bar on Soldier Road and Windsor Place, shooting him and two other men. He died on the scene while the others were injured to the upper and lower extremities and were hospitalized.

“You’ll hurt my kids. You’ll broke them,” the mother lamented.

Police described the suspects as “bold in their actions” but believe a CCTV in the area would help to capture those responsible for Bowe’s killing.

The mother added that the children have been crying continuously since his demise.

“(The son) cried his heart out…All he wanted was his daddy and now he won’t get that chance.

“Your kids are shattered.”

Police have not revealed the motive for the shooting or whether or not Bowe was the intended target.

Featured pictures credit: Facebook

The man shot and killed on Monday night has not been officially identified but is known as ‘Valley’.

Initial police reports suggested he was 50 years old which has proven not to be the case. An official age still has not been released.

The man was at a bar on Soldier Road and Windsor Place Road when two gunmen emerged from behind a wall and shot three men. The gunshot proved fatal for ‘Valley.’

In a circulated video clip, he was seen lying face down as bystanders surrounded him. “He’s still breathing. He’s still breathing,” an eyewitness shouted, with a hand resting on the victim’s back. Minutes later the man said, “I think he took his last breath.”

Authorities soon responded to the homicide case and found the man’s body lying in the western area of the bar.

Police described the gunmen as “bold in their actions.”

Assistant Commissioner Zhivago Dames said, “They were standing in the yard here to the bar and two persons in dark clothing emerged from behind a wall and shot them while they were standing inside the bar yard.

“We want to also assure the residents of this area that the police is up and about. Despite this incident happening we are up and about doing our very best to keep this area safe.”

Dames believes the CCTV in the area will help capture the suspects.

Friends and family expressed shock at his death.

A friend, Darren Carey said he saw the victim at the same establishment on Sunday and they exchanged pleasantries, not knowing that would be the last time.

Jasmine Eyma expressed, “This one is a shocker.”

Another friend Alexandre remembered him as “a good coworker and a nice person.”

The other men who survived the shooting received gunshot injuries to their upper and lower bodies and are believed to be 35 years old.

Police could not say the motive for the shooting or whether or not the men were the intended target.