The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A 58-year-old father of two became the country’s latest murder victim when he was stabbed multiple times and left to die in a public park early yesterday morning.

The killing is the 65th this year and brought an end New Providence’s 41-day homicide-free streak, according to The Tribune’s records.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said that around 7am, a passerby was walking through Christie Park off Nassau Street when he saw the victim lying in a pool of blood.

“Officers were called to the scene and observed the lifeless body of a male with multiple stab wounds and visible wounds on his forehead. He was pronounced dead on the scene by EMS personnel,” Chief Supt Fernander said.

“We do not know the motive for the killing at the time and we are asking persons in the area to come forward. The body appeared to have been in the park overnight.”

The victim was identified by family members and friends on the scene as Reginald Johnson. Johnson’s children were on the scene, but were too distraught to speak with reporters.

Johnson’s cousin, Mary Elliot, told reporters that the deceased was a “hustler” who did odd jobs in the area “to get by.” She said he was a nice person and she “has no idea” why anyone would want to hurt him.

“He doesn’t bother anyone. He was a really nice person. He hustles by the car wash, he does anything for people,” Ms Elliot said.

“I mean he may have his little ‘to do’ now and then, but he is a very nice person and he doesn’t bother anyone. I mean if you send him to the shop he will go. If they want him to wash the car or get water or something like that he did it because that is the type of person he is. I mean, this is so sad because I just spoke to him Saturday at the car wash. I am going to miss him.”

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.

The last murder recorded in the capital was that of Demario Smith aka “Fat Cat” on June 30. Police recorded no homicides during the month of July. Two men were killed in Grand Bahama earlier this month, one on August 2 and the other on August 6.

Investigations continue.