By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO men, including a Department of Customs officer, were shot dead in Grand Bahama in separate incidents yesterday, pushing the country’s murder count to 31 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

The first victim, a 20-year-old man, was shot around 2am at the Fish Fry in Smith Point in Freeport.

When officers arrived at the scene, the victim had already been taken by private vehicle to the Rand Memorial Hospital. Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that the man had been shot several times and died at the hospital.

Hours later, shortly after 5pm, police were called after gunshots were heard in the area of Churchill Road in South Bahamia. Responding officers found a 49-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the body. The victim was reportedly shot outside his home.

He was taken to the Rand where he later died.

Police have not released his identity, but sources on the island said he is Kevin Hanna. His death marked the sixth for Grand Bahama this year, according to The Tribune’s records. After the first quarter of 2015, there had been 37 recorded murders in the Bahamas.

Sources on the island said it is believed Mr Hanna was killed during a robbery attempt; however this was not confirmed by police.

These homicides came four days after a father-of-three was fatally shot in the head as he opened his convenience store in Kemp Road on Sunday.

That victim, Paul Newchurch, had previously been convicted of armed robbery and served a lengthy prison sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, The Tribune understands.

A relative who did not want to be identified said it is believed that the murder was the result of an argument between the victim and another man on Saturday.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist them with their investigation into the Grand Bahama homicides to call 242-350-3107-12, 911/919, or call the nearest police station.