Conflicting Stories Presented In Trial for Murder of a Blind Man

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Two witnesses to the fatal shooting of a blind man by police presented conflicting stories to a Coroner’s Court about what happened when 36-year-old Courtney Thompson was killed. 

Thompson was a pillion passenger on a Krypton Scooter when he was shot in the back of the head on January 26, 2018.

According to Constable 3329 Jovan Jervis, he was part of a police unit that went to investigate a report of four men causing a disturbance at a bar on Plantol and East Streets.

On the way there, Jervis said they encountered two men on a motorbike at Plantol Street and Iris Spring Court. Jervis said the officers tried to stop the bike but the cyclist refused.

According to Jervis, the cyclist reached into his waist with his right hand and pointed a black handgun in the direction of the officers.

He said that Sergeant 3199 Sherwin Braynen fired a shot in the direction of the threat.

Jervis said the cyclist sped off and the unit gave chase. However, he said they abandoned the pursuit, and called for an ambulance, when they saw the passenger fall from the back of the bike. 

On the other hand, Lawrence Thompson testified that neither the cyclist, whom he identified as his nephew Elvardo Thompson, and his brother pointed a gun at the officers.

Additionally, he said that his nephew kept his hands on the bike’s handles at all times.

The inquest resumes before Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on May 4.