Crime
TCI Murders 36, 37, 38 and 39 so far in October
Turks and Caicos, October 18, 2024 – Five homicides were reported this month in the Turks and Caicos Islands; two of them, stemming from deadly shootings in late September; three others happening between October 9-15.
On Tuesday October 1, Royal TCI Police confirmed the murder of one of the country’s ‘Most Wanted’ men. Gunned down and body gruesomely chopped, was Jouvly Inelus who was found in a pool of blood in Blue Hills the day before.
“At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.
Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months.”
On the same day, it was reported by Eagle Legal News Media and then confirmed by TCI Police that one of two men shot in an apparent
targeted attack in Snake Hill on September 27 had died in hospital abroad.
“Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries. Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm. Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus. Mr Vereus was unresponsive,” said the official police report.
The two homicide reports at the start of October brought the country’s murder count to 36, topping the deadliest year on record in 2022 where 34 people (including an unborn child) was murdered.
A week long break from violent killings crumbled, when in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday October 9, police were summoned to the Bight in Providenciales where residents reported hearing “multiple gun shots.”
A man was found dead and later identified as Lewis Francis Jr. A second man was struck in the same attack and was taken to hospital where he was held for treatment of gunshot wound.
Eagle Legal News Media learned, “on the night of the killing and attempted murder of another in the Bight, we counted 40 yellow and black police evidence ‘spent shells’ markings.
His body laid face up, his hat dropped where he was sitting along with the other gunshot victim.”
It was shared with the investigative journalist that a lone gunman walked up to the pair and opened fire.
“Lewis Francis Jr tried to get up and run but instantly collapsed. The shooter emptied a magazine on the fallen man and changed the magazine to a much longer one and continued shooting,” said Wilkie Arthur in his reporting on the incident.
TCI Police said: “Shortly after midnight today (October 9), a call was made to the Police Control Room indicating there was a shooting at a location in Lower Bight, Providenciales.
A team of officers and medical personnel were dispatched to the location.
Upon arrival, officers observed an unresponsive male clad in a black T-shirt, a pair of black jeans and a pair of black boots. The deceased has been identified as Lewis Francis Jr, 36.
The RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr. Francis’ relatives.
At around 1:27 am, officers were alerted to a male with gunshot wounds found at a residence in The Bight. Based on preliminary investigations, this stemmed from the initial incident. Officers responded and rushed the 38-year-old victim to a medical facility for treatment.”
Francis Jr was the country’s 37th murder for 2024.
Thirty-two hours later, on Thursday October 10 the murder count would climb some more.
“Whilst in the middle of one of those (power company) blackouts, residents all across Five Cays heard a number of loud gunshots from what sounded like two of three different firearms, according to those that heard it and reported to Police,” informed Arthur of Eagle Legal News Media.
Evanson Walkin, aka Archie or Bonka, aged 28 years old was discovered dead.
It was another killing that raised eyebrows. Despite the criminal history of Walkin, it was shared by those close to the young man that he was now living an honest life.
“He worked very hard on the waters in watersports and on boats. He has his shortcomings but was a very nice little fella who was loved by many tourists.
He has one little girl.”
Six days later, residents would be horrified by yet another shooting. This one in broad daylight in full view of the area primary school.
The Ministry of Education, issued a statement, which said in full: “The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to confirm that a shooting incident occurred near the Enid Capron Primary School on October 15, 2024. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority as we navigate this distressing situation.
At approximately 10:00 AM, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school. Though no students or staff members were harmed, the incident has understandably caused significant concern within our community.
In response, the Ministry of Education is taking immediate and proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff:
- Increased Security Presence: We have coordinated with local law enforcement to bolster security on and around school grounds. Police officers and security officers will be present throughout the week to provide reassurance and support.
- Communication with Parents and Guardians: We are committed to keeping our community informed. We have sent out a message to all parents and guardians outlining the event, our response, and resources available for support. Our communication lines remain open for any questions or concerns.
- Crisis Counseling Services: Our counseling teams led by the school’s Guidance Counsellors is prepared to provide emotional support to students and staff. Additionally, our Student Support Services will be available for all students and staff during and after this difficult time.
- Safety Drills and Training: The school’s Critical Incident Management plan has been activated to respond to an active shooter
scenario, the Enid Capron Primary School will be reviewing its safety protocols and will conduct additional training for staff and students to ensure preparedness for any future incidents. - The Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP) was postponed on Tuesday 15thbut will resume today October 16, 2024.
“We are heartbroken by today’s events and extend our thoughts to those affected by the incident,” said Honourable Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education. “Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure this.
As the situation develops, the Ministry of Education will provide updates through official channels.”
Eagle Legal News Media said residents found the body first and that it took some time before Police took control of the scene of the crime.
“We then headed out to Five Cays, and not much police were there, but the Commissioner of Police was directing the traffic to turn around as the street had become a crime scene. Persons couldn’t walk, nor vehicles couldn’t drive in that direction any longer.”
Teachers, school staff and students were terrified, said Arthur.
We soon learned that the man shot and left bleeding out in a puddle of water was, Dorlens Zamor, a 33 year old resident of Five Cays.
Zamor was murder No. 39 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Bahamas, June 26, 2026 – Imagine boarding a plane for another Bahamian island, only for it to crash in U.S. waters during what
now appears to have been a remarkable twist of timing.
Jonathan Gardiner’s Election Day flight has dominated headlines for weeks, but Thursday’s decision by a New York federal judge suggests the story may be far bigger than the crash itself.
Gardiner was denied bail after U.S. District Judge Gregory Woods described him as a danger to the community, a significant flight risk and concluded that the government’s evidence is “very strong.”
For many Bahamians, however, the public narrative has remained fixed on the approximately $30,000 recovered after the crash, including an envelope reportedly containing $5,000 intended for an unnamed politician.
Gardiner’s attorneys have argued the cash was legitimate, saying roughly $20,000 had been withdrawn from his business account the day before the flight. They also maintain the prosecution’s case is circumstantial and have argued that his speedy trial rights are being violated.
But prosecutors say the charges stem from a three-year federal investigation into an alleged conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States—not an investigation that began because a plane crashed in Bahamian waters.
That distinction may prove critical.
The crash brought the case into public view, but it may not be what ultimately determines its outcome.
The judge’s ruling raises a question that now deserves greater attention: What evidence from that three-year investigation persuaded a federal judge that the government’s case is “very strong”?
The answer may not lie in the cash recovered after the crash, but in investigative material that has yet to be fully presented in open court.
As the case moves toward trial, Magnetic Media will continue looking beyond the headlines and following the evidence that underpins one of the most closely watched criminal prosecutions involving a Bahamian in recent years.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.
When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an
anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.
“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.
The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.
More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.
The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.
“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to
get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”
Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.
According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.
The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.
“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.
The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – While nearly every major category of serious crime is trending downward in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police statistics reveal one troubling exception: rape.
Speaking during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Providenciales, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported a five percent
increase in rape cases compared to the same period last year, making it the only major crime category to record an increase in 2026.
The increase comes as police celebrate dramatic reductions in murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, robberies and firearm-related offences.
However, Bailey cautioned that the statistics surrounding rape cases are often more complex than they initially appear.
Responding to a question from the media, the Commissioner explained that some complainants report rape but later choose not to support police investigations. In other cases, the alleged offender is known to the complainant, creating additional challenges for investigators.
“We have some of those reports where persons make allegations which have not been proven because they will come and say they have
been raped, but they do not support an investigation,” Bailey explained.
The Commissioner stressed that police are required to document and investigate all reports made to law enforcement, regardless of whether a complainant later decides not to proceed.
“Once you make a report, we have to record it and we have to fulfil our obligation,” he said.
Bailey also noted that in many reported cases, the alleged perpetrators are individuals known to the complainants.
While acknowledging that some reports may ultimately not result in charges or convictions, the Commissioner emphasized that every allegation must be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.
The figures underscore an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and social service agencies as the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to work toward reducing violence and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
-
Bahamas News3 days agoHe’s Not Dusting Off Yesterday’s Plan… He’s Trying to Rebuild Government
-
News3 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Expands US Reach with New United Airlines Denver Route
-
Crime5 days agoHuman Trafficking Probe Revealed as Police Warn of Growing Teen Crime Concern
-
News2 days agoDDME Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Huge success in The Nation’s Capital
-
Bahamas News3 days agoTwist of Timing Shifts Focus in Jonathan Gardiner Case
-
Crime6 days agoRape Only Major Crime Category to Increase in Turks and Caicos
-
Bahamas News7 days agoKemp Road Dog Attack Turns Fatal; Questions Grow Over Long-Standing Complaints