The Azario Major Case

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The fate of three police officers now lies in the hands of the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions after a jury ruled the tragic killing of 31-year-old Azario Major as a homicide by manslaughter. But, it hasn’t been an easy road for relatives.

The family of Azario Major is one step closer to having some sort of peace nearly two years after their loved one Azario Major was gunned down by police. 

The deadly incident took place on the night of December 26th, 2021 on Fire Trail Road. At the time, police said this at the scene: “This is when the officers noticed him exiting his vehicle, brandishing a firearm.”

Police claim officers were in fear for their lives, resulting in them fatally killing Major. They said a gun was found on Major’s body.

The matter was sent to the Coroner’s Court which handles police-involved shootings. 

The Coroners Act empowers the court to identify the causes and circumstances of sudden or unexplained deaths, or deaths in special circumstances. 

However, the court does not determine guilt or innocence but can find a death was unlawful.

Back in 2021, just a few days after his death, Major’s grieving sister shared these memories of her brother exclusively with Our News.

However, months after his life was tragically cut short, family members were still demanding answers. With little movement on the matter, family members held a candlelight vigil. 

On May 8th, an inquest began into the 2021 police killing as family members disputed the police officers’ account of the shooting.

An inquest does not determine criminal or civil liability and the jury’s finding does not prevent the deceased’s family from filing a civil suit.

Wednesday family members got this good news. Azario Major’s death was officially ruled a homicide.

The next steps? Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier will decide whether to charge any or all of the officers involved with a crime.