A senior officer faces a murder charge after an off-duty shooting of an American citizen, prompting an FBI offer and a review of police firearm rules.
NASSAU: A senior Bahamian police officer has been charged with murder following the off-duty fatal shooting of a US citizen over the weekend.
Superintendent Berneil Pinder appeared in the Magistrate’s Court in Nassau on Wednesday but was not required to enter a plea, according to his lawyer, Ian Cargill Sr.
Cargill said Pinder is being held in prison pending a bail application to the Bahamian Supreme Court.
Police allege Pinder shot and killed 31-year-old Cody Castillo outside a popular restaurant on New Providence island after an altercation on Saturday.
They stated one person entered a vehicle and allegedly “drove it in a threatening manner” toward Pinder, who then used his service weapon, fearing for his life.
US Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker welcomed the arrest and confirmed the United States has offered FBI assistance to support the local investigation.
A GoFundMe page set up by Castillo’s family and friends says he was preparing to welcome his first child and was working in the Bahamas to support his family.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said he had requested a full and transparent investigation, stating a “badge can never place anyone above the law.”
He also called for a review of the rules governing police officers’ off-duty carriage of firearms.
The Bahamas recorded eight police-involved shootings last year, with a Reuters review indicating at least three such incidents so far in 2026.
