The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

AN inmate suspected of fatally stabbing another prisoner at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services may face a murder charge, according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who said the decision rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Officials said Brody Fritz, 60, was killed on Saturday morning during an altercation as prisoners disposed of their night waste under staff supervision. Another inmate was hospitalised with serious injuries, while a third suffered non-life-threatening wounds.

Police said the suspected attacker, who was already awaiting trial for murder, has been placed in isolation.

When asked about potential charges, Mr Munroe told reporters yesterday: “I would expect that he will face homicide charges, bearing in mind the profile of it and him. I’m not the DPP.

“The DPP is an individual but to my legal mind, it’s a case that would warrant him being charged with capital murder, but that is actually the decision of the DPP who is independent. I cannot tell her what to do but that’s my view of it.”

His comments came just hours before police reported another stabbing at the prison, reigniting concerns about security and the smuggling of illegal contraband.

Mr Munroe acknowledged the challenges, blaming systemic issues like outdated infrastructure, and called for urgent prison reform.

“This is a challenge that you have with a housing facility built in the 1950s to house two to 300 people,” he added. “The fact of the matter is, there is no indoor lavatories in maximum security; persons must use slop buckets. Those slop buckets must be emptied every morning. That’s the fact, unless and until we get the new high-medium security facility, that will continue everyday.” 

Conditions at the prison have long been a concern, with Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare admitting that BDOCS failed an accreditation inspection in 2023.

Mr Munroe has previously expressed hope that infrastructure improvements will help the prison achieve accreditation, noting that Cabinet has approved construction plans for new facilities, including mental health cells, a clinic, and a medical facility.