By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A MAN in his early 20s was shot and killed in front of his home in the East Street South area yesterday, just days after National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said crime is down nationwide.

Police press liaison officer Chief Superintendent Sheria King told reporters the incident happened shortly before 8pm. She said the victim and a group of men were socialising outside a residence on Taylor Drive, off Victoria Boulevard.

Two people on a motorcycle arrived at the residence. One of the bikers got off and opened fire on the victim, fatally wounding him. Chief Supt King said the man was a resident of the home where the group had gathered.

No one else was injured.

Police could not confirm whether the victim was known to them. Chief Supt King also said it was too early in the investigation to determine a motive.

This marks the 41st murder for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Last week, during his budget debate contribution, Mr Munroe said overall crime, including murder, is down this year. He defended the government’s record amid opposition criticism and public concern over a string of deadly weekend shootings.

He said homicides have decreased by nine percent, with major crimes down across all categories, though he acknowledged the figures remain “too high” for comfort.

Mr Munroe said crimes against the person: including murder, attempted murder, rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, and armed robbery — are down 25 percent. Crimes against property — such as burglary, housebreaking, shopbreaking, stealing, and vehicle theft — have fallen by 11 percent.

He also reported regional declines in crime: 14 percent in New Providence, 14 percent in Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas, and 19 percent in the Family Islands.