Families Of Men Killed By Police Calling For Justice

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The swift charging of a senior officer in the killing of an American man has sparked outrage as families of Bahamians that were killed by police demand to know why not the same urgency for them?

Our Delvardo Emmanuel caught up with several of those families and got their reactions.

Fredia Major – Sister, Azario Major

“We are asking the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the same sense and the speedy action that was made with the tourist that was shot in The Bahamas. We hope that the same action is now made for all of our loved ones.”

One day after senior police officer superintendent, Berneil Pinder, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and was charged with the murder of American electrical worker, Cody Castillo, the families of other men who died at the hands of police officers are speaking out.

Among them is the mother of Gino Finley J.r, the 15-year-old shot and killed by police in May of 2017.

She said that nearly nine years later, her family is still searching for a closure.

Leonette Brown – Mother of Gino Finley

“ It’s an insult to the Bahamian people. It’s an insult. “

Leonette Brown – Mother of Gino Finley

“Yeah, they just been keep putting it off. Putting it off. Every time the court case come up. They put it off for a later date. “

She’s not alone.

Family members of other victims, including Deangelo Evans, said that they too have been waiting years for their day in court.

20-year-old Evans, was killed on May 27, 2018.

Officers were responding to an alleged armed robbery, and while the officers claimed that Evans was armed, several eyewitnesses said he was not.

A coroner’s court jury determined in 2023 that Evans’ death was a homicide by manslaughter.

Denczil Evans – Father of Deangelo Evans

“ I’m asking for justice for my son and as quick. As it can happen, it’ll be better for us and my family and we could rest because it’s been too long and every day it’s stress and we need more accountability from the police force and from the rightful authority to do what they have to do what is right.The long delay is only getting people frustrated and making the witnesses not to show up. “

The families were also joined by the father of Azario Major..

Major was shot and killed by off-duty police officers outside of Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road in Nassau.

Officers claimed that Major brandished a firearm and they fired in fear for their lives.

Major’s family said they’ve spent over $100,000 for independent investigators to fight his case.

They are now calling for justice and accountability.

Fredia Major – Sister, Azario Major

“ The pain for us is very uncomfortable, and we asked, we beg, we plead that you all please stand forward with us. Police reform is something that is completely necessary. We want you to understand that we are not against. The police department, we are against the policies that are not put in place. We are against the leadership that is allowing such foolish behavior by those that are given weapons to protect us. “

The families have since launched a campaign on buildupbahamas.com, aimed at keeping these cases in the public eye, and pushing for action…