A Florida man was shot and killed in the Bahamas after an altercation with an off-duty police officer, as officials say a criminal investigation is underway.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that the victim, identified as 31-year-old Cody Castillo, of Crawfordville, Florida, was killed March 21 in Nassau following a dispute outside Da Plantation Bar & Grill in Nassau. The outlet said the shooting involved an off-duty senior officer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said a criminal investigation has been opened.
“My understanding is that the police responded to the scene, acquired CCTV footage, as they always do, and commenced an investigation,” Munroe said. “If there’s evidence that criminal charges should be levied, they will do it. If, at the conclusion, they determine that they are uncomfortable in levying criminal charges, it goes to a coroner’s inquest.”
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A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed the death of an American, saying that they are “closely tracing local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death.”
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Authorities have not released further official details about the identities of those involved or the circumstances of the shooting. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the U.S. Embassy in Nassau for additional information.
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A GoFundMe identified Castillo as a lineman for PIKE Electric who had been in the Bahamas for work.
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The fundraiser states that Castillo and his wife, Mikayla, were married about a year ago and were expecting their first child, a boy due in August.
“Cody was working to support his family with PIKE Electric in the Bahamas. Then, in a moment that changed everything, Cody’s life was taken by senseless violence while he was working abroad,” they said.
