The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A MOTHER yesterday lamented the stalled pace of investigations into the death of her son nearly one year after he was murdered just a few feet away from his home.

In a somber critique of police efforts in the matter, Idamae Russell told The Tribune she was no closer to finding out who killed her “baby boy” Brandon Russell, or why he was “brutally snatched away”.

She said her family continues to face the reality of “no justice and no answers” from the police and legal system.

Russell, 23, was shot to death on Ronald Street off Farrington Road on August 10, 2014.

Mrs Russell said she was troubled by subsequent murders of four of her son’s friends months apart, also without arrests or charges.

According to police, Russell was standing outside a residence with another man around 8pm, when two masked men approached them.

Both of the men, produced handguns and opened fire.

Russell was hit multiple times and died on the scene. Police say the gunmen fled in a black car.

No one has been charged with Russell’s murder.

Mrs Russell said she does not expect the Royal Bahamas Police Force to take a “special interest” in her son’s murder, but she does expect a transparent, precise, complete investigation.

The family is appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

“It is the expectation that the service provided is empathetic, human centred and demonstrates goodwill,” Mrs Russell said.

“It is an expectation that investigations are thorough, precise and decreases the risk of loopholes. What good is it having a death certificate naming the place of death as one place, when clearly the street sign, pointing to the deceased body says something else? Sometimes it’s the tiny details overlooked that can adversely make or break a case.”

“Brandon’s life, like so many other young men to date,” she said “was brutally snatched away, without regard of the misery and pain left for his family. He was a very loving person, and believed in helping others and being selfless. He wanted more out of life and aspired to complete his GED in pursuit of a degree in Motorcycle Mechanics and small engine repair of which he was enrolled.

“We find it concerning that four of his close friends were murdered similarly within months of each other and not one lead has been futile to an arrest and charge for the deaths of either of these young men.”

Mrs Russell said her son’s friends were Larenz Whyms, Shaquan Wray, Shavaz Wray and Ronald Fleurinvil.

Whyms, 24, of Colony Village was shot and killed at Baldwin Avenue on October 11, 2014. Brothers Shaquan and Shavaz were shot to death two weeks apart on October 22 and November 6th respectively.

Fleurinvil was shot and killed on Arawak Cay on March 22, 2015.

Anyone with information on any of these homicides is asked to send tips to 426-8148/454-2005 or contact the nearest police station.