By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IT HAS been almost three months since the brutal killing of British citizen Edgar George Dart in Grand Bahama and no arrests have been made, despite a $25,000 reward which was offered for information leading to the arrests of those responsible.

Mr Dart, 56, was fatally shot during a home invasion and robbery on April 8 at his mother’s residence on Dunton Lane, Emerald Bay. The incident has left many homeowners in the upscale residential subdivisions “over the bridge” fearful as the killers are still at large.

Mr Dart, a wealthy farmer who emigrated to Canada, and six other relatives, including his 13-year-old son, George, mother, Joy, 79, brother Colin, 55, and his wife, Alison, and their son, Luke, 15, and 29-year-old Pip Poole were taken hostage by masked armed intruders who broke into the home around 7am.

The thugs tied up the family with duct tape. Mr Dart was shot during a struggle with the men, who were armed with a handgun and machete. They took jewellery and other personal items. Before fleeing in the gardener’s truck they cut the telephone lines.

Although several persons were questioned in connection with the murder, Grand Bahama police have not been able to make an arrest.

The Tribune phoned Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour for an update, but he could not be reached up to press time.

Mr Dart’s death has is the sixth homicide for 2014 on Grand Bahama, where the murder count has now reached eight.

Mr Dart’s death has aroused international attention in both the Canadian and British press. From Topsham, Devon, Mr Dart emigrated to Canada and lived there for the past 16 years. It was reported that he was a keen rugby player, having played for Exeter Saracens for many years.

In the Exeter Express and Echo, a local west of England newspaper, Mr Dart’s daughters said they will always remember their father as a brave, heroic man who died trying to defend his family.

Sophia, 25, and Laura 24, of Exmouth, said in a joint statement released to the Express and Echo that they are heartbroken by their father’s brutal murder. The girls’ mother, Mrs Shirley Dart, who also lives in Exmouth, told the newspaper that she was very sad about what happened to Edgar.

In the meantime, police in Grand Bahama are appealing to anyone who may have information that can assist them with their investigations into Mr Dart’s murder to contact them.

The shooting and killing of Grand Bahama businessman Sedrick Hepburn is another high profile case that is still unsolved.

Mr Hepburn, 47, operator of CLA Backhoe and Trucking, was gunned down while he and his companion were walking on Fortune Bay Drive, a quiet, upscale residential area in Grand Bahama.

The shooting occurred shortly before 6pm on May 14, near the North Star Resort. Mr Hepburn was shot multiple times in his body and died at the scene. No arrests have been made in the case.

Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant last week urged the government to put more effort in the fight against crime as citizens are being “suffocated” by the crime. He criticised the government about “downplaying” the situation.

Persons with information that can assist the police are asked to call the police hotline at 352-1919, 351-9111, 351-9991 or Crime Tipsters at 300-8476 or contact the nearest Police Station.