The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the fatal shooting of an Abaco man, who residents claim may be connected to drug and human trafficking operations.

Claude Collins, 44, of Mary Susan Drive, Marsh Harbour, was shot a number of times in the chest shortly before 8pm on Friday at a residence in Sweeting's Village, Marsh Harbour. According to police reports, Mr Collins was taken to a local clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries.

However, residents claim Mr Collins died at the scene. Suspicious men were seen "scouting the area" earlier that day, residents said, and had been seen in the area a week prior.

"(Collins) is known to have association with human trafficking, and that usually includes drug trafficking. It's a hit," a resident claimed.

He said Mr Collins "went outside to get a smoke, he sat on the porch and someone shot him five to six times in the chest. The coroner said whoever shot him was making sure they killed him".

According to the resident, a boat was seen leaving the shoreline some 1,000 ft away from the scene shortly after the shooting.

Superintendent Noel Curry said he will make further inquires into the matter as he could not confirm the reports at this time.

Central Detective Unit officers were flown from New Providence to Abaco and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, police in Exuma suspect the decomposed remains found in Bahama Sound on Friday to be the body of Garrison Pyfrom, who police think committed suicide.

Superintendent Morey Evans, officer-in-charge of Exuma, said the victim is suspected to be a man wanted in connection to the murder of 17-year-old Courtney McKenzie who was stabbed to death last August in Moss Town, Exuma.

He said: "DNA results are needed to confirm the man's identity however, upon initial inspection of the body there is nothing to suggest of foul play."

The decomposed remains were found hanging from a tree east of Moss Town, said Supt Evans, which police suspect to have been there for three to four months.

A team of CDU officers has also been deployed to Exuma to assist the investigation.