By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE, Guardian Senior Reporter, kdl@nasguard.com

An armed robbery at a liquor store in an Over-the-Hill community last night, resulted in the death of a man believed to be in his early 20s.

The incident occurred shortly before 9p.m. at Kelcy's Liquor Store, Gibbs Corner, off East Street.

However, up to press time last night, police were reluctant to classify the shooting as a homicide. The name of the victim was being withheld by police pending positive identification, but Guardian sources identified the deceased by his street name, "Picky". He fell a short distance from the establishment he allegedly helped to rob and died at the scene. His weapon was also recovered.

Meanwhile, an all-points bulletin was issued for his accomplice, whom police said was able to make good his escape with the money stolen from the liquor store.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Glen Miller, reported that approximately 8.45 p.m., two masked men entered the established brandishing shotguns. He said they demanded money from the proprietor and customers and as they were leaving the scene, the owner opened fire on them.

Miller explained that as a result, one of the culprits was fatally shot. A male bystander was hit in his legs and arms. Up to press time last night, he was listed in stable condition at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

As police were still conducting their investigations, they were unable to confirm whether formal charges would be filed against the liquor store owner.

This latest incident occurred less than a week after 25-year-old Senecca Rahming, a Freeport resident, was shot to death. his death pushed Grand Bahama's homicide toll to five and the national count to 25 for the year.