By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

 A WOMAN is dead after she was shot by another woman outside a home on Pinewood Drive on Sunday afternoon.

While police have not officially identified the victim, sources say she is Nicola Cox.

Her death has pushed the country’s murder count to 45 for the year, according to this newspaper’s records.

 Police said they were alerted to the shooting in the Pinewood community shortly before 3pm Sunday.

 Upon arrival, officers said they were informed that two women were standing outside a building when another woman approached and started firing shots in their direction.

 One of the women was shot multiple times and had to be taken to hospital, however she later died from her injuries.

 Police said a woman is currently in custody assisting with their investigation.

 The incident comes as the government seeks to control the nation’s escalating crime problem.

 Earlier this month, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis announced a series of crime fighting initiatives to tackle gun violence in the country.

 The announcement came weeks after he held a conclave with various agencies to address the recent increase in murders.

 The crime fighting measures include increased police presence in inner-city communities, the creation of a specialised police task force and focused attention to bettering mental health.

 “Bahamians deserve safe streets, schools and communities. We all have a role to play. For those of you who despair but who believe the problem is someone else’s to solve — I urge you to get involved,” Mr Davis said at the time.

 “Volunteer in your neighbourhood. Look out for each other’s children. Pray together, then outside the church’s walls, work together to help those who are in crisis. Mentor and support our young people. It has been such a ​difficult few years. We can all work together to lift each other up.”

 Anyone with information on this incident or any crime is asked to call police at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).