Senior Bahamian police officer charged with murder of US citizen

A senior Bahamian police officer appeared in court Wednesday charged with murder in connection with the fatal off-duty shooting of a United States citizen over the weekend in The Bahamas.

Superintendent Berneil Pinder appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Nassau but was not required to enter a plea, according to his attorney, Ian Cargill Sr.

Cargill said Pinder remains in custody pending a bail application before the Supreme Court.

Police allege that Pinder shot and killed 31-year-old U.S. citizen Cody Castillo outside Da Plantation Bar and Grill on Saturday following an altercation.

According to police, the dispute began inside the popular restaurant before escalating outside. Authorities said Castillo entered a vehicle and allegedly drove it “in a threatening manner” toward Pinder, who was off duty at the time. Police said Pinder, fearing for his life, discharged his service weapon, firing a single shot that killed Castillo.

However, government officials later confirmed that investigators obtained video footage of the incident that media outlets and family members say contradicts the officer’s account.

Before Pinder’s arrest, the United States Embassy in The Bahamas issued a strongly worded statement expressing “deepest concern” over reports that Pinder allegedly followed Castillo to his vehicle before fatally shooting him.

“We urge the Government of The Bahamas to ensure the victim receives justice in this case without delay,” an embassy spokesperson said.

U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Herschel Walker said Wednesday that the United States has offered assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to support the investigation, while welcoming Pinder’s arrest.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also called for a full and transparent probe into the shooting.

“A badge can never place anyone above the law,” Davis said Tuesday.

According to local media reports, Pinder was denied bail and ordered to return to court on July 23 for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The arrest came four days after Castillo was gunned down outside the Nassau beachside establishment on the island of New Providence.

A GoFundMe page created by family and friends said Castillo had been working in The Bahamas to support his family and was preparing to welcome his first child with his wife, Makayla Castillo, in August. The couple resides in Crawfordville.

The Bahamas recorded eight police-involved shootings last year, according to official figures, with the latest incident drawing heightened scrutiny both locally and internationally.