The Tribune

By TRIBUNE STAFF REPORTER

PROMINENT suspected drug dealer Warren “Spy” Ellis was shot dead in a hail of bullets in a broad daylight attack outside an Abaco auto parts store yesterday, with a young boy also wounded and residents fearing the killing could trigger retaliation.

Ellis, 51, was reportedly leaving Parts City Auto Parts when a number of gunmen armed with high-powered weapons opened fire.

The injured boy was airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment.

Police had released few official details up to press time. Chief Superintendent Sheria King said a team from Grand Bahama was en route to Abaco to assist with the investigation.

Police sources told The Tribune the gunmen were not believed to be Abaco residents and that investigators suspect the killing was retaliatory.

Videos circulating on social media showed Ellis lying motionless on the ground outside the business. His injuries appeared severe. The Tribune understands his body remained at the scene for several hours before being removed. The killing drew a large crowd, with dozens of residents gathering as news spread across the island. Some mourned Ellis while others privately expressed satisfaction at his death.

People at nearby businesses reported hearing a barrage of gunshots and ducking for cover.

Bystanders also said Ellis’ telephone continued ringing as his body lay at the scene.

Roscoe Thompson, head of the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township, said he counted at least 25 spent shell casings on the ground.

He said the audacity of the killing, carried out outside an established business in daylight, had heightened concerns in the community.

“It just shows you that if someone wants to get you, wherever in broad daylight or at night,” Mr Thompson said. “If somebody is that brazen, they’re going to get you.”

He said the scene was crowded and traffic was heavy as police blocked portions of the road.

“It’s just sad, and it’s concerning,” Mr Thompson said. “Is there going to be retaliation now. What’s going to happen.”

He said residents and local government officials were concerned and urged police to remain vigilant.

Ellis had previously come to the attention of authorities.

In 2018, he and his wife were arrested after police found $13,000 in their luggage at Lynden Pindling International Airport while they were reportedly travelling to Canada. The charges against them were later dropped.

Ellis had also long been publicly linked to alleged criminal activity, although he was rarely formally charged. His name frequently appeared in social media posts alleging involvement in drug dealing. Those allegations were not proven in court.

Yesterday’s killing was Abaco’s second murder of the year and the 52nd recorded in The Bahamas so far this year, according to The Tribune’s records.