Off-Duty Bahamas Police Superintendent Charged with Murder of American Man
An off-duty police superintendent in the Bahamas has been formally charged with murder following the fatal shooting of an American man outside a popular bar in Nassau. The incident, which occurred on March 21, 2026, has sparked significant concern from U.S. authorities and raised questions about police conduct in the Caribbean nation.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Cody Castillo, a 31-year-old resident of Crawfordville, Florida, was killed at approximately 6 p.m. outside Da Plantation Bar & Grill. According to reports from the Tallahassee Democrat, the shooting involved Royal Bahamas Police Force Supt. Berneil Pinder, 51, who was not on duty at the time. The RBPF released a statement alleging that during the encounter, one individual entered a vehicle and drove it threateningly toward the officer, prompting Pinder to fire a single shot in self-defense, resulting in Castillo's death.
Castillo was working abroad to support his family, employed by PIKE Electric in the Bahamas, and was anticipating the birth of his first child with his wife, Makayla Harvey, whom he had married just a year earlier. A GoFundMe page set up for the family described the tragedy as "senseless violence" that abruptly ended his life while he was working overseas.
International Response and Investigation
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has confirmed the death of an American citizen and is closely monitoring the case. In a statement, a spokesperson expressed deep concern over media reports suggesting the officer followed the unarmed victim to his vehicle before shooting him. The embassy urged the Bahamian government to ensure justice is served without delay, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe emphasized that the police investigation included reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence. He stated that if criminal charges were warranted, they would be levied; otherwise, the matter would proceed to a coroner's inquest. Pinder has since been arraigned on murder charges, though official naming has been withheld pending legal proceedings.
Broader Context and Implications
This incident adds to a series of recent fatalities involving Americans in the Bahamas, including two deaths at a resort earlier this year and a carbon monoxide poisoning case. It underscores ongoing challenges with safety and law enforcement in the region, potentially impacting tourism and diplomatic relations.
The case continues to develop as authorities pursue justice for Castillo's family, with the Bahamian government under pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability in handling police-involved shootings.
