A family member holds up a picture of 44-year-old Andre Cartwright at his Blair Estates home yesterday. Photo/Tim Clarke/Tribune staff
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
A 44-year-old man was shot and killed early yesterday morning attempting to protect his elderly parents from armed assailants, pretending to be police officers.
Police say the victim, who has been identified by family members as Andre Cartwright, was at his Blair Estates home around 1:40am with his mother and father, both in their 60s, when three men kicked in the front door to their house.
According to reports, when he heard the noise Mr Cartwright, got his licenced shotgun and went to investigate. He encountered the three suspects, one of whom was armed with a handgun.
There was a brief exchange of fire, which resulted in Mr Cartwright being shot multiple times. He died at the scene. One of the suspects was also shot; however, he and the other men escaped in a silver coloured Honda Accord.
Shortly afterwards a woman driver arrived at the Princess Margaret Hospital with a man suffering from gunshot injuries to his chest. He was rushed into surgery and is listed in critical condition.
Responding officers took the female driver, of Rocky Pine Road, into custody for questioning. They are also on the hunt for 18-year-old Kevin Andrews, of Faith Avenue, in connection with the murder. Following another fatal shooting last night, the country’s murder count for 2014 now stands at 97, according to The Tribune’s records.
At the home of Mr Cartwright yesterday afternoon family members gathered to remember a man they called a “hero”.
A relative, who did not wish to be named, said during the attempted robbery the suspects claimed they were police officers and demanded Mr Cartwright or his parents let them into the house.
“They busted through the main door and that is what woke Andre up.
“He got his shotgun when he heard them trying to get in through the second door that separates the bedrooms from the rest of the house,” he said.
“If you know Andre you know his mother meant everything to him and he was trying to protect her.
“He did not believe they were officers.When they busted through the second door, they just started shooting and his dad was standing right on the side of him and he blocked him and protected him until the men left; that is when he collapsed.
“His dad tried to do CPR, but it was too late.
“I don’t understand how this could happen. I know it sounds cliched, but he was nice guy, a good guy, a family guy. He had a big heart and would do anything for his family. Since the break-ins started happening, he was always very cautious, always very protective of his home.
“His parents say he saved their lives, they feel like they would be dead if he did not step in. This is a very sad situation.”
According to residents in the area, over the past few weeks there have been a series of break-ins in Blair Estates and the surrounding areas involving men claiming to be police officers.
In fact, The Tribune understands the neighbourhood watch sent out a memo last week encouraging residents to be on the look out for the “fake cops”.
The Tribune attempted to contact the police to determine if there was an increase in home invasions in this area or if there were any other robberies by men claiming to be police officers; however calls were not returned up to press time.
Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said while “home invasions are not new” the government is doing everything they can to “overcome them”.
He said: “What we are doing is providing the law enforcement officers with police cars so that they are available should these matters be reported.
“It’s really difficult for us to have vehicles and people in every street, but we will review what has happened in this case and devise programmes to deal with it.
“The review of the statistics do not show that crime has increased but there are too many violent crimes and we are looking every day to overcome them.”
Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.
Comments
John 10 years ago
But look at the shirt the "family member' is wearing. We need to be careful what message we send even by the way we dress. Check half the clothing young people are wearing, they are filled with skulls and crosses partly quoted or misquoted scriptures and yes guns. Young men go clubbing or partying dressed in shirts with full sized skeletons that illuminate in the dark. These are designed to send subliminal messages. Other patrons or persons at the party spend two, three four hours looking at an illuminated skeleton, (glorifying death) then the next thing you hear shots ringing out and someone is dead.
Bahamas4Bahamians 10 years ago
John, I'm baffled as to how the shirt has any relevance to the incident or his statement. What position are you in to pass judgement on the way someone dresses? It stands to reason that convenience, availability and projections of the day are more important factors in outfitting your body than to send a subliminal message. Shakes head We have a dead innocent Bahamian, and your response is to attack the graphics on the victim's relative apparel. I hope you are prepared to be judged when a family member of yours passes and your outfit is assessed. "His white shirt most represents cocaine, I think he's subliminally selling drugs so he should've died anyway"
John 10 years ago
Firstly I have had more than one family member killed in the last few years in the carnage of violence we have in this country. And yes, while two of the murders remain unsolved there were lots of talks on the streets as to what may have been the motive. The police ruled all of them out. I know my timing on this may have been wrong but if you examine the man's shirt closely it has every type of assault weapon on it. How it got pass the Tribune's editors is a good question. But if you and others think it is ok then "The Tribune" can remove my post. Unless we are willing to change our behavior then we will keep getting the same result.
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
You could make a general point but don't attack the family member. That could very well be the daddy. He died protecting his daddy. He threw himself in the path of a bullet to protect his daddy. For those people with elderly parents you know they almost become like your kids and you worry about their safety and people hurting them. This is sad.
John 10 years ago
I did not put the shirt on the man, neither did I publish it on the front page of the National Tribune...why demonize me?
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
Who demonized you? I said don't attack him, shirt or not. He's grieving. Thank God he had the strength to get out of bed and put anything on. Make your point about too many guns and leave him out of it.
positiveinput 10 years ago
If Mr. Cartwright was allowed to legally owned one of the weapons shown on the shirt he may of had a better chance in protecting his family and his life from those bastards who barged into his home, his house, his castle, his property. A man house was invaded but you see it necessary to mention what his grieving family is wearing.
Cobalt 10 years ago
John is actually an idiot who's posts rarely warrant a dignified response. Don't waste your time trying to assess or evaluate the nonsense he attempts to convey on this website.
John 10 years ago
Again your name Cobalt speaks for itself a blue metal when heated gives off very poisonous fumes..case in point
positiveinput 10 years ago
You would of swear the shirt was being worn by the assailants. Whereas if John is standing so firm behind his post, what do he thinks the men posing as police officers was wearing. The outcome of this situation sure wasn't that they was sending a message of protect and serve.
GrassRoot 10 years ago
We are in Charge. And if we choose not to take action choose not to change what is happening in the Bahamas, choose not to lead and be a good example, we can not blame anybody else.
Arrow 10 years ago
Dr. Bernard Nottage YOU ARE NOT SUITED FOR THE JOB! Irrespective of political affiliation you are just not up to the task. We the people who mistakenly, entrusted you with our well being have been saddely made to bear the mask of shame ,fear and utter disbelief. While we know that you personally are not committing the crimes you are not proving to be a distraction to the criminal element. What policy's have you implemented, hard decisions need to be made, the problem of crime must be tackled aggressively meet with the stakeholders and have a Damn Plan! enough is enough! your brain is old and your approach archaic let Mr. Bell or someone else with expertise far greater than a damn Doctor at treating criminals do the job.
Emac 10 years ago
"We the people who mistakenly, entrusted you with our well being" Don't you mean ,"The stupid people who mistakenly entrusted you with their well being?" Cause I for one certainly didn't entrust an idiot with my well being.
lightsout 10 years ago
crime is the responsibility of the govt
it is the responsibility of govt to tighten up the justice system to get these recycled criminals off of the streets.
then it has to clean its own house by starting with compliance of the required declarations and accountability thereto. then moving into freedom of information act leading to a more transparent and accountable govt, not giving the appearance that they are walking millions out of the treasury/bank of the bahamas for their personal benefit. what message of integrity is this setting for the uneducated population?
then with the millions not "missing", fund initiatives from urban renewal to various private programs such as PACE and Dr Allen's Family to catch the pregnant teenager society has turned their back on. rebuild the family structure and moral. education and prosperity should follow.
it starts at the top. why do people not speak out? because they do not want to be victimized and shut down.
if the top lacks integrity and cannot accomplish its objective of providing a safe country to live in, the law abiding will take it into their own hands.
to persons saying we should not be armed. how do we know the objective of an intruder is limited to the stealing of physical items and not to cause physical harm that can leave emotional scars for life, or death. do we ask them to fill out a survey on the way in as they break through exterior and interior doors?
no more light loads. no more warnings. we will live or die. but we will not roll over and play dead.
Andre, a brave man to protect his family. may he RIP and thank him for bringing these terrorists’ rampage to an end, for now...
wake up bahamas!
John 10 years ago
When we wake up and realize this is spiritual warfare then we will better know to arm ourselves for the battle.. I mourn with the Cartwright family just as I continue to grieve for losses in my own family..(Jesus also wept, the shortest verse in the bible) for the sins of this world..don't worry about those who can only destroy the flesh but Him who can take your soul..amen John 3:16
TalRussell 10 years ago
Unfortunately, in but a matter of days the murder of Comrade Andre like all the others, the public and government will move on to the next murders. Hopefully, in coming hours the police will learn more from those in custody if this particular residence was pre- targeted and why? Had the victim not have had his own personal gun, would he have left the protected door which was the only thing between him and his family members and the thugs? The best and most sensible policy is for the government and citizens to rid our Bahamaland of all guns, and yes, that will also require stripping our policemen's of their weapons? In meantime, stop issuing gun licenses for any reason or propose. NO MORE DAMN GUNS.
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
I'm for less guns but these robbers didn't have licenses. They got these weapons via corrupt: businessmen, government officials, customs officers, immigration officers, government ministers, shady gambling houses that the government doesn't have a clue where their money originated.its this shady government's fault. Get rid of your corrupt officials.
TalRussell 10 years ago
Comrade highly unlikely the murderous thugs who gunned down Blair resident Andre did it with licensed gun(s) but a safe bet they also didn't import the gun(s) used in commission of the crime.The more guns you place in homes and business the greater guns will play an increased role in Domestic violence. Yes, legal gun ownership and Domestic violence have a troubling relationship
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
Pimples not saying "they" they imported the gun. More than likely they knew someone who was selling guns illegally and that person imported the guns. In general yes, less guns is a good thing.
ThisIsOurs 10 years ago
"Pimples"? This autocorrect is annoying....that should read "I'm not saying"
flamingoman 10 years ago
Any government can impose laws to govern...but why are we so naive to think thugs and criminals will follow them. To stand up and say that guns are the problem is intellectually bankrupt. That same philosophy applied to other issues would have us blaming misspelled words on pencils. Guns do not kill people. The problem is not guns...the problem is the heart. Cain killed Abel with a rock. You want to put a dent in this crime??? If the government will not govern (the main purpose for any government is to protect it's people) then at least put a licensed firearm in every lawful citizen's home!
TalRussell 10 years ago
Comrade when I was kid growing up there was that nutty neighbour Mr. Jack and had he owned a gun, I along a number kids in our neighbourhood, would have been killed long time ago. I swear, Mr. Jack would have declared on open hunting season against anyone with two legs - under age 10. That crazy man's hated his own daughters - and we were too afraid even play them.
asiseeit 10 years ago
Reports of another person held up at gunpoint in Little Blair today and a car stole in Blair last night. The Government has failed in the most basic of its jobs, giving the people a safe environment in which to live and work. This country is sick and a festering hell hole for those that are doomed to live here. As long as we continue to vote in these lackluster, jibe talking, clowns, over and over, we are done. I am surprised Bahamians actually allow the inaction of government to continue without more of an uproar. Our court system is a bad joke, bail for all and sundry. Bahamians had better wipe the BB out their eye's and really wake up and hold the government accountable. Our country is at stake!
MaLambee 10 years ago
The residents of The Bahamas need to hold the government accountable. Until this is done, crime will continue to escalate ..... plain and simple and no telling who is next. The thugs are grabbing you from walking on the streets, riding your bikes, driving your cars, and invading your homes. What could be worst? Nothing will happen, no matter how much we talk, until the government looks at this seriously. Tourism is down. Warnings have been issued to countries not to visit the Bahamas, scholars are not returning home.. smh
Reality_Check 10 years ago
Apparently some are saying that dealers in illegal arms eventually get their pound of flesh after a deal goes bad, no matter how long it takes! If this is true...well, what can you say? Other than perhaps: "Very sad".
Africanprincess 10 years ago
It all begins at home. Parents needs to be parent. The upbringing of a child, in most cases, no all tells the outcome of his actions. There is not much the government can do after the damage has been done. Apart from justice, what else can be done. What about training up the children the old school way.
John 10 years ago
We exposed several years ago that companies were targeting black people and other minorities to sell tinted food, expired medicines,and clothing filled with demonic symbols and satanic verses. A pastor who visited Miami a few years ago said when you walked into some of the stores that catered to blacks and Hispanics the air was so dense you could cut it with a knife because of all the demonic clothing hanging on the walls. Even with air condition the stores felt hot. Most of this clothing has disappeared of the market but the enemy continues his attack on believers. Most people are familiar with the pink ribbon that represent breast cancer but do you know there are seventeen (SEVENTEEN) different color ribbons that represent 17 different cancers that have become common around the world and here in the Bahamas? Imagine that : a country that was virtually cancer free two decades ago now has 17 different cancers and breast cancer being the leader.
CuriousAbaconian 10 years ago
John, what planet are you from? This family has suffered a tragedy - a REAL life tragedy. What are you talking about? You must be a product (and prime example) of this D- average education system. Pick up a book man. Use Google. The truth is so easy to discover today, yet you bask in ignorance, psuedo-science, and conspiracy theories. Guns are real bro. Crime in this country is real. This nonsense you talk is just that - nonsense.
John 10 years ago
So you changed your name to attack me again. Now tell me exactly which part of my post you deem as conspiracy? ignorance? psuedo-science?...Guns are real, you say, and that is exactly my point.and assault weapons are designed exactly for that..assault...(against whom) They are also illegal in this country....Maybe you the one who has a D- average and needs to pick up more than one book. We realize the family suffered a tragedy but what have you said to them except attack me? You say all i talk is nonsense, so why don't you ignore it? Find another name and come back soon.
positiveinput 10 years ago
I forgot I wasn't on facebook cause I was looking for the 'like' button under your comment CuriousAbaconian.
TalRussell 10 years ago
Comrades announce a Town Hall meeting on crime and you'd be pushing get 100 citizens show up. Promote a FREE Turkey Giveaway and they'd be lined up around 6 blocks.
Emac 10 years ago
AMEN!!!
DEDDIE 10 years ago
Extremely sad. I don't see how we can expect the Politrick lawyer to fix anything in this country when they can't fix an area they are suppose to be experts at. The justice system.
BahamaPundit 10 years ago
Major Gwen Anderson: After you had already won, why did you continue to hit him? Did you enjoy it? Ender Wiggin: Knocking him down was the first fight, I wanted to win all the others. So they'd leave me alone. Ender's Game
The Bahamas Police need to bring the fight to the criminals, not wait for them to attack us hiding in gated communities. It's been said the best defense is a good offence. I was angered when the police said they did a walkabout of Blair yesterday. Why didn't they do a walkabout of the neighbourhood where the criminals live? Why not conduct gun searches of all the homes in that neighbourhood? I'm tired of seeing police conducting traffic stops on West Bay Street. The police need to patrol and conduct traffic stops over the hill where the criminals live. By now, the Police must have an idea where the majority of criminals live. They need to conduct 24 hour patrols of these hot zones. They need to make these hot zones the safest place in The Bahamas. It's time to attack the problem at the source -- let's bring the fight to them. Only then will they begin to leave us alone.
blessedhands 10 years ago
what does a shirt has to do with these young people breaking into your personal space and killing you. i don't see your point, am a citizen living outside of the Bahamas, and i refuse to move back there,it so much cover up going on in that little island,your life means nothing and value little.what happen to the churches i remember growing up the Bahamas was considered a praying nation what happen? six of my family member including my baby boy was burned alive last year September 2013 and to this day we the family is still waiting to hear from the police and the fire department on what happen, NOTHING. THEY COVER IT UP A YEAR LATER AND WE DON'T HAVE CLOSURE, Most of the youth of the Bahamas has no guarding no home training,They are disrespectful to there elders i can go on and on for what i saw returning there to funeralize my family memebers and i had to get out there .
iexpressed 10 years ago
way to go RBPF in catching the third suspect. good work! put together the forensic, which there should be no shortage of, and off to the justice system.
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