The Bahamas was struck by tragedy over the weekend as two young men lost their lives in separate violent incidents. Mekhi Taylor, a 20-year-old beach attendant, was fatally shot early Saturday morning in a parking lot on University Drive. According to police reports, a Japanese vehicle pulled up shortly before 2 a.m., and its occupants opened fire on a group of people standing in the area. Taylor’s family believes he was not the intended target but was tragically caught in the crossfire. His older sister, K’nelle Taylor, described him as a jovial and carefree individual who often joked about enjoying life to the fullest, even in the face of danger. Just hours before the shooting, Taylor had dined with his younger brother and friends at Carnivale Bahamas, promising to return home after dropping off a neighbor. His workplace, The Blue Zone Experience, paid tribute to him, calling him a hard-working and irreplaceable asset to their team. In a separate incident, 25-year-old Philip Lockhart, a twin and restaurant server, was killed following a brawl at Arawak Cay on Sunday morning. His best friend, Iranique, expressed profound grief, remembering him as an extraordinary and caring individual who had been a pillar of support in her life. Police have detained a 29-year-old man in connection with Lockhart’s death. These latest homicides have brought the country’s murder count to 70 for the year, according to records from The Tribune.