A Bahamian family is grappling with profound grief and outrage following the brutal daylight murder of 36-year-old Jonathan ‘Goddy’ Gooding, who was ambushed and executed last Thursday morning in the parking lot of Shirley Street Shopping Plaza. The incident occurred moments after the victim had completed his regular gym session, a disciplined routine he had maintained for nearly four years.
According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 9 a.m. when Gooding exited a commercial establishment and was approaching his vehicle. Surveillance evidence indicates a Japanese-model vehicle abruptly pulled alongside him, from which an armed assailant emerged and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene. The victim’s body remained visible on the pavement opposite his gym—a haunting image that has traumatized those who knew the dedicated fitness enthusiast.
Gelita Gooding, the victim’s aunt and childhood guardian, expressed devastating emotional turmoil in an exclusive interview. ‘When they killed Jonathan, they destroyed our entire family foundation,’ she stated, revealing that just hours before the shooting, her nephew had been at her home sharing laughter, collecting meals, and discussing fitness goals without any indication of impending danger.
The grieving aunt portrayed Jonathan as an exceptionally disciplined individual who deliberately avoided alcohol, smoking, and narcotics. His commitment to physical training stemmed not from vanity but from a philosophical desire to maintain mastery over his body and mind. ‘He was focused on his health. He wanted to live better,’ she emphasized, noting his aspirations to build a traditional family structure with children born only within marriage.
Originally from Bimini, Gooding possessed remarkable life achievements including extensive travel, fluency in Spanish acquired during extended residence in Cuba, and the recent accomplishment of obtaining his license as a boat captain—a profession that allowed him to operate excursions to Rose Island with immense pride.
The family’s anguish has been severely compounded by the rapid circulation of graphic crime scene footage across social media platforms. Ms. Gooding condemned this digital violation, questioning societal empathy: ‘I think that’s the most heartless thing in the world. How could you allow these people to be there, snapping and recording?’
Verline Smith, the victim’s sister, described the psychological impact of losing her brother shortly after burying the father of her children. ‘Any dark tinted car come close, I’m afraid. I don’t know what to do,’ she confessed, highlighting the pervasive fear that now shadows the family.
Close family friend Kadayah Bain remembered Jonathan as a cheerful, hardworking presence who maintained a small social circle and avoided trouble—making his violent death particularly incomprehensible to those who knew his character.
The investigation remains active as authorities pursue leads regarding the motive and perpetrators behind this shocking public execution.