http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45&a=12130
(burned up victims mentioned below)
30th March
Murder Rate Alarm
By Bianca Symonette
The first quarter of 2007 is coming to an end and there have already been more than 20 homicides reported in the Bahamas for the year.
Authorities are concerned that at this rate, the number would surpass the 60 homicides recorded in 2006.
On Wednesday, police had still not classified Tuesday’s shooting that occurred on Faith Avenue that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man.
Police reported that the two men were at home in the Bellot Road area of New Providence sometime after 5pm when a weapon was fired.
A 21-year-old received a wound to his hand, according to police, who said the 22-year-old man was wounded in his chest.
Both men were taken to hospital, but the older one died as a result of his injuries, police said.
Police indicated that this latest shooting could raise the country’s homicide count to 23 if it is classified as a homicide.
Police press liaison officer Assistant Superintendent Walter Evans said there are other incidents that had not yet been classified that could also drive the count up.
"We can’t really say exactly at this point how many cases [are outstanding] because there are a number of matters being looked at. We are waiting for autopsy reports and also for the continued investigations into several matters so we will be able to state whether they will be upgraded. We don’t want to say anything prematurely so we will await the results of the autopsy report," Mr. Evans said.
"We have already surpassed the amount of homicides we had around this time last year. We have just completed the first quarter of the year and it seems from all indications that we have exceeded one third of the incidents that we had for the year 2006."
In the meantime, Mr. Evans said police are doing their best to curb the violence in the country.
"The police are doing a significant amount of things to circumvent the amount of activities you see happening from a criminal nature, but what we find happening more so are matters that involve matters with personal issues…and we are deeply concerned about that," Mr. Evans said.
In an attempt to reduce the amount of violence taking place in the country, Mr. Evans said that the police continue to ask the public to assist in the crime fight.
The police aren’t the only ones expressing concern.
President of the Court of Appeal Dame Joan Sawyer also recently express concerns over the high murder count for the year.
She said if the escalation of murders continues at this rate, the country would surpass last year’s figure.
Dame Joan also expressed concerns over the latest trend of victims’ bodies being burnt apparently in an effort to conceal evidence and identity.
Director of Public Prosecutions Bernard Turner indicated this week that this is the most murders he has seen within three months of the year.
The murder count currently stands at 22.
If a person didn't look at the source you would think they were writing about NOLA since Katrina.