The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) has reported that a shooting at the Aziza nightspot on Grace Bay Road last night left two dead and another injured. Authorities have clarified that the victims were not the intended targets of the attack.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m., which is also near a popular restaurant in the Grace Bay area. Among the deceased is Shamone Duncan, 50, a Cook County deputy from the United States, who was visiting from Chicago, Illinois, to celebrate her sister’s birthday. The second victim has been identified as Dario Stubbs, 30, a local resident. A third victim, a 29-year-old man, is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams expressed his condolences, stating, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the Police Control Room received reports of gunfire near a bar along Grace Bay Road. Officers and medical personnel were immediately deployed. Unfortunately, two individuals succumbed to their injuries—one at the scene and the other at the hospital. There is no evidence to suggest that Ms. Duncan, Mr. Stubbs, or the wounded victim were the intended targets of this incident.”
The RTCIPF has strongly condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Victim support resources have been made available to the families and friends of those affected.
The police are appealing to the public for assistance. Witnesses or anyone with information, including video footage from the area, are urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477. The public is also encouraged to use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to provide tips confidentially.
The investigation is ongoing, with police emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving this tragic case.