Tuesday, April 30, 2019
By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Deputy Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
BEFORE he died of multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, Alain Perez, owner of Bimini Big John’s Bar and Grill, told his roommate that an unknown person wearing dark clothing was his assailant, according to police on the island.
Although investigators have no clue who this person is or where they are, officer-in-charge on the island, Superintendent Henry Rolle said residents and visitors in Bimini have nothing to fear.
While he said the investigation is still in the infancy stage, police are sure it was an “isolated” incident.
Perez, a Cuban-American and father of three, lived in Bimini for several years. He was 47-years-old.
“The person knocked on the door and when he opened it the person engaged him in the gunfire and struck him several times in the chest,” Supt Rolle told The Tribune yesterday. “There were no signs of forced entry.”
Asked whether police were concerned the shooter was still on the island, Supt Rolle said there was no evidence to support that line of inquiry.
“This is an isolated incident and we haven’t established a motive. There is no need to fear because Bimini is a safe place and has always been a safe place.
“So I encourage everyone out there if they have any information to share with police to bring it forward and we will look at it. It’s an active investigation. It’s still fresh and it’s still early to say what is going on, but we are working feverishly to determine what happened.”
Perez’s mother and sister were in Bimini where they spoke to police and then flew to the capital yesterday as his body was sent for an autopsy. According to police, the incident happened shortly after 1am on Sunday. “A male was shot multiple times in the upper part of his body, while at his residence in Bimini,” police said in a report. “The male victim was taken to the Bimini clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries.”
A message was posted to Bimini Big John’s Bar and Grill’s Facebook page where the tragedy was announced. It was shared dozens of times.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the heart and soul of Bimini Big John’s has been taken from us too soon,” the post read. “A Cuban-American immigrant, business owner, son, brother and a father of three was known as the most selfless human being.
“We pray for justice and may the memory of Alain Perez live in our hearts and his legacy live on forever. The family thanks everyone for their love and support throughout the difficult time. Rest in peace.”
Many expressed shock at the death. One Facebook user commented: “Simply no words. I was in shock when I read the news. May he RIP. Will have him and his family in our prayers.”
“We are all shocked and heartbroken. He will be missed. RIP Alain!” Another person said.
“Sending prayers to the family. Met him on one of my trips over there when our group came in for lunch... such a great guy, infectious laugh. RIP,” another post read.
Anyone with information is asked to call police in Bimini at 242-347-3144, 919 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS.
Comments
licks2 says...
He opened his door. . .unknown person in dark clothes. . .engaged him in gun play???? My only question is : "when did that mysterious person put on them dark clothes them so? Before he approached the door and the victim saw him without them dark clothes them on. . .the the assailant put back on them dark clothes before the victim opened the door. . .then shoot from them dark clothes??
The plot thickens. . .is it the roommate???
Posted 30 April 2019, 3:32 p.m. Suggest removal
1Life2Live says...
You're an IDIOT!
Posted 2 May 2019, 4:40 a.m. Suggest removal
ravenmom says...
Sir please refrain from speaking stupidly on a topic you are not aware of.
Posted 2 May 2019, 8:57 p.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
A 47 year old has a 'roommate'? Was this on a college campus?
From what I understand the police are so confident that the perp is no longer there because they now the shooter came in just to perform this act.
Posted 30 April 2019, 3:45 p.m. Suggest removal
1Life2Live says...
...you primitive people in that country so what if he had a roommate?... it could be a resident that pays rent or takes care of his place in his absence. you STUPID people.
Posted 2 May 2019, 4:43 a.m. Suggest removal
ravenmom says...
Understand you hard headed human being. If you do not understand why such a comment was made then don't call anyone primitive. Nothing about our country is primitive save the ignorance of foreign nationals like yourselves. At the end of the day any man over the age of 40 that is living with another man is considered an oddity and is unnatural. As a married man with children it's normal to question why he needed a roommate in the first place. No grown non homosexual Bahamian male would willingly live in an apt with another grown male if they are not family members. Caretakers normally have their own apt or house in which they live. Hence the comment that was made.
Posted 2 May 2019, 9:02 p.m. Suggest removal
Naughtydread says...
A Cuban American living in Bimini that owns a restaurant .......
Posted 30 April 2019, 4:43 p.m. Suggest removal
sealice says...
Bimini's a safe place? this where all the drugs, heyshuns and guns used to wait before they were smuggled to the US.....This must be a real nice place he was staying in with no cameras or security.... "room mate" = is the only way that you can say the gay couple without offending the Bahams Christian Council in the Bahamas?
Posted 1 May 2019, 12:06 p.m. Suggest removal
1Life2Live says...
...i don't know why American bother to invest in that country?...it is riddled with crime and profoundly ignorant ,,, backwater folks! 👎 deplorable!
Posted 2 May 2019, 4:46 a.m. Suggest removal
ravenmom says...
Actually it's our people that don't understand why our govt. caters to America when they are constantly acting as if they are a safe haven but their crime rate is so much higher than our own. If you take an area of America the same size as our country with the same infrastructures i wouldnt be surprised that the rate of crimes would still be significantly higher, more perverse and horrifying in nature. At the end of the day you are filled with racist bigots, ignorant and terrorist minded people. However you always toot your own horns thinking you are smarter or better when the truth is so far from it. Do not wallow on in such ignorance that you fail to pay attention to the fact that you know absolutely nothing. Our two country's have allied together for different common goals established before you and I were born. We each don't need a visa to visit each other, our dollar is just as powerful as yours so sit small and await the finish of the investigation. As it's obvious this was someone that was after a person that lived in that residence and not some random attack; the investigation will not take long to solve.
Posted 2 May 2019, 9:21 p.m. Suggest removal
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