Two killed in shootings - family anger at video footage on social media

The scene following the second murder last night.

As of Monday, February 24, 2014

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FAMILY members expressed outrage yesterday after video footage of their murdered son was circulated on social media.

The tragic shooting of 26-year-old Dior Johnson outside a Chinese restaurant at East Street south occurred just hours after another man was gunned down near the Urban Renewal office in Englerston.

According to police, Mr Johnson was at Phoenix Cafe when two men in a small vehicle pulled up, one man got out of the car and shot him repeatedly.

Police were tightlipped over whether or not the victim was known to police; however, relatives at the scene confirmed that Mr Johnson had previously been questioned by police in connection with a murder.

In September last year, Mr Johnson was one of five suspects named by police as part of a murder investigation.

At the scene last night, a relative said: “He wasn’t a saint, but he was a good guy. He didn’t do anything. He was accused of murder a couple times.”

The restaurant was open at the time, but it is unclear how many persons witnessed the incident.

Video footage and photographs of Mr Johnson’s dead body circulated online shortly after his shooting at about 4pm.

Last night, a man who identified himself as Mr Johnson’s father expressed frustration over his inability to get near the crime scene, and a lack of communication from police concerning the incident.

At the scene, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Ferguson appealed to the public to come forward with any information that might assist active investigations.

Mr Ferguson said that preliminary investigations did not suggest that the two fatal shootings were connected.

At the scene of the Englerston murder yesterday, Superintendent Stephen Dean said: “Sometime around 11:30am, a male was visiting a relative at Moore Avenue when he was approached by two men on a motorbike who shot him and sped off. We’re appealing to any one who might have any information.

“We’re also appealing to the persons responsible, if you’re watching us, if you are now hearing it, to turn yourself in to the nearest police station immediately,” Supt Dean added.

The victim was taken to hospital by private vehicle, but later died of his injuries.

Any one with information that might assist ongoing investigations can call police anonymously at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS in New Providence or 1-242-300-8476 in the Family Islands.

More like this story

proudloudandfnm 10 years, 8 months ago

At the scene last night, a relative said: “He wasn’t a saint, but he was a good guy. He didn’t do anything. He was accused of murder a couple times.”

A couple of times?!?!? Good guy?!?!? Mudda sic!!!!

JohnDoes 10 years, 8 months ago

Not only that, majority of persons dont believe in our justice system any more. Not because of Bail, Bail should be an option for anyone who is innocent until proven guilty, but at the same time the courts just take too long handling cases. Some people just know who did what to who ever and decide to end it quickly. Why are persons just appearing in court 5 years after a crime. This is nothing new under our Bahamian Sun.

HarryWyckoff 10 years, 8 months ago

[...] he was a good guy. He didn’t do anything. He was accused of murder a couple times.

Seriously?

How does a 'good guy' just happen to be accused of murder? Twice?

bismark 10 years, 8 months ago

nobody,including his family know what he did,its obvious he wasn't just shot random,those persons know him,i saw the video,sad,i know his family felt that,cant blame them,everybody has someone who cares about them,but do these individuals take a look at their lives and see the way its heading?this day and time nobody wants to reason just pick up a gun and lets get it on.

KORM 10 years, 8 months ago

This is just a never ending cirle. Watch the same person(s) who committed this crime will be a victim later on. I'm not proud to say but that is just how it is. Yes it needs to stop, men need to reevalutate teir lives and know that to solve an issue it doesnt have to lead to violence. Just sucks. My condolences to the family.

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