Friday, October 16, 2009

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Another murder in Grand Bahama By GENEA NOEL ~ Freeport News Reporter ~ genea@nasguard.com: The body of a 25-year-old a black male was discovered yesterday in a car through a dirt road off Pioneers Way on Grand Bahama, near the Jack Hayward High School (JHHS) Police have classified the body as the island's ninth homicide for the year; the murder count in The Bahamas now stands at 68. When The Freeport News team arrived to the scene, already cordoned off by police, crime scene investigators were busy combing the surroundings for evidence as the body was being placed into a body bag to be transported to the morgue. ASP Loretta Mackey, assistant press liaison officer for Grand Bahama, said police from the Central Detective Unit (CDU) were investigating another matter around 11:00 a.m., assisted by a 27-year suspect, who had recently turned himself into police. "The officers were led to this area by the 27-year-old when they discovered the body of a black male with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the upper back," Mackey said. Mackey said the male was found in a slummed position in the drivers seat of a brown 1996 Buick Century vehicle. Noting that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, Mackey said that the identity of the body will be released after the next of kin is notified. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. "We have no motive for the murder at this time," she said. "We are asking for anyone who may have been in the area at that time and can provide us with information to come forth to assist in bringing this matter to a speedy closure." Persons with information are asked to call 911, 352-1919, 351-9111, 951-9991, 352-8351, 352-9076 or 350-3125. Twenty-year old Ashley Joel Smith became Grand Bahama's eighth murder victim for the year after he was brutally stabbed last month in the area of the Les Fountain Building number two. According to reports Smith was allegedly stabbed and ran to the Strawberries Liquor Store for help. When Smith entered the store, he reportedly fell to the ground and employees at that establishment called for police and medical assistance. Police responded to the call and found Smith lying on the floor suffering from several alleged stab wounds in his back. He was then transported to the Accident and Emergency Section of the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he was attended to by doctors, but succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:00 p.m. Police have since charged 23-year-old Godfrey Virgill Jr., also known as "Dollar Murder", with Smith's murder. He was arraigned on September 21 and was not required to enter a plea due to the serious nature of the crime. Virgill was remanded to Her Majesty's Prison, Fox Hill, until January 26, 2010, when a preliminary inquiry into the matter will be held. Friday, October 9, 2009