News
MURDER case of American Deputy Sheriff and South Caicos son is High Priority; No One Arrested Yet
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 25, 2025 – One man pulled the trigger but Police are looking for a group of people to hold responsible for the reckless Saturday, January 18 shooting of a popular dinner and nightclub in Providenciales. It led to the deaths of Dario Stubbs, a Turks and Caicos Islander and Shamone Duncan, an American tourist.
“In terms of the actual primary perpetrator – the gunman – it was one individual. However, our intelligence and further inquiries undoubtedly reveal that he was probably part of a wider group.”
Superintendent Dean Holden was addressing a live audience over Facebook and media in the room during a press event.
The information was shared in response to a line of questioning from the media as he shed some light on details of the probe.
Police do not believe the shooter entered the immediate area in a vehicle; he wanted to avoid CCTV detection and Police are convinced that it was a strategic dispatch of a dangerous hitman which ended horribly for two people completely unrelated to an ongoing beef.
“This is part of a wider criminal organisation and a network and connected to – what we think is – a potential dispute between organised crime groups. Some of which were probably socialising in that venue that night. The opposing gang knew that and that’s why they deployed a gunman to obviously eliminate them in terms of that feud,” said Dean Holden, TCI Police Superintendent and head of the Special Crimes Unit.
The shooter, with a high powered weapon, stood adjacent to the Grace Bay area lounge where the victims were struck. Pumping bullet after bullet, viciously and recklessly, it sent patrons scurrying for cover. It was a targeted attack which did everything but hit the mark, as the two murdered so senselessly were innocents described as being in “the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Up to publication time, no one had been arrested for the shocking shooting where three people were struck with bullets, but Superintendent Holden said the resources and tactics invested should change that, soon.
“We’ve committed quite significant investigative resources to that, only this morning we’ve held a briefing with US counterparts who are also providing investigative support.
So in terms of covering all the lines of inquiry in terms of forensics, ballistics, CCTV, intelligence development and other research and investigative methods, all that now has been comprehensively covered with support from the US and support from other departments in the TCI Police Force.”
Holden, who said he had reviewed the updates on the investigation on the morning of the press event, which was Wednesday January 22, did not shroud his reluctance to give details on the sensitive case.
“What I don’t want to do is divulge any specific lines of inquiry because to do so would potentially compromise future executive action. What I can say, having reviewed that investigation this morning, is that I am very confident now that we have a good understanding of the group that are involved in this attack and in the relatively near future I am very confident that we will be taking executive action with a view to bringing them to Justice.”
Duncan was a deputy at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago and on vacation in Providenciales as part of a birthday celebration for her sister. Her entourage was on the balcony level of the lounge when the bullet struck, ending the party and her life.
Stubbs was a young father and husband, a professional working at TCI First Insurance. He had been picking up his wife from work, his daughter was with him when he was caught by a stray bullet.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
