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In a tragic development, Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles announced that a man will face murder charges in the Magistrates Court today for the death of 30-year-old Lauren Saunders. Saunders, who was seven months pregnant and a mother of two, was reported missing on October 19 after her family could not reach her. Her silver Jeep was later found abandoned off Coral Harbour Road, with her personal belongings still inside. A coordinated search involving the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), drone units, and K-9 officers led to the discovery of her decomposed body in a bushy area off Munnings Drive last Wednesday. Forensic examinations revealed advanced decomposition, preventing pathologists from determining the exact cause of death. However, police confirmed they have sufficient evidence to proceed with a murder charge. The suspect, a man in his 30s known to the victim, was taken into custody early in the investigation. Commissioner Knowles praised the relentless efforts of her officers and expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in the search. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis condemned the crime, emphasizing that violence against women has no place in society. The case has sparked widespread grief and outrage across the Bahamas.

A devastating head-on collision on the Grand Bahama Highway over the weekend has claimed the lives of two men, including a chef who had repeatedly voiced concerns about the dangerous conditions of the road. The accident occurred between 6am and 6.30am on a poorly lit stretch of the highway, which lacks streetlights despite the early sunrise. Christopher Smith, a chef at The Garden of the Groves, and Mozen Selemfort, a boat captain at Statoil in East End, were both on their way to work when the crash happened. Smith’s sister, Roseleen Smith, who was driving the vehicle with him as a passenger, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized. The collision occurred when a white Honda, driven by Selemfort and traveling east, veered into the westbound lane, striking Roseleen’s grey Chrysler head-on. Both Smith and Selemfort died at the scene, marking the 53rd traffic fatality in the country this year. The Grand Bahama Highway, located just east of the Lucayan National Park, was closed for over two hours as police conducted investigations. Smith’s colleagues and family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing him as a compassionate and dedicated individual who frequently highlighted the perilous state of the highway. Superintendent Christopher Farquharson of the Grand Bahama Traffic Division confirmed that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The incident has reignited concerns about road safety in the area, with calls for immediate improvements to prevent further tragedies.

The Bahamas government is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph, threatens the southern and central islands. Officials have warned of life-threatening flooding, hurricane-force winds, and coastal inundation, particularly in Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A formal evacuation order from the Prime Minister may be issued in the coming days, contingent on the storm’s trajectory and intensity. Jeffrey Greene, Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, confirmed that a hurricane alert is now active for the central and southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions expected to begin late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Hurricane Melissa is forecast to pass over Jamaica on Tuesday, cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and reach the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday. Currently located several hundred miles southwest of The Bahamas, the storm is moving west at approximately five mph but is predicted to shift north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. While hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles from its center, tropical storm-force winds reach 205 miles. Officials noted that interactions with Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola might slightly weaken the storm before it impacts Bahamian territory. Leon Lundy, Minister responsible for Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the government’s full mobilization, including resource positioning, community briefings, and inter-agency coordination to ensure an effective response. He urged residents to stay informed through official channels and avoid relying on rumors. Aaron Sargent, Director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority, highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor the storm, coordinate with local administrators, and identify vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, for potential evacuation. Sargent praised the proactive response of residents, noting a trend of swift action even before official evacuation orders are issued.