FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Several persons have been arrested as police focused on a specific geographical area in Freeport tied to the case of five missing Grand Bahama boys, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ellison Greenslade announced at a press conference on Monday.
It was, by far, the largest development in the five month long investigation into the disappearances of Jake Grant, Mackinson Colas, DeAngelo McKenzie, Junior Reme and most recently Desmond Rolle.
“We have a number of persons in custody and we have demarked a geographical area which is now under intense scrutiny based on its evidential value,” he said, referring to a several block radius off Frobisher Drive near the residences of Junior Reme and Mackinson Colas.
A crowd of onlookers had gathered at the location this morning, curious about the authorities’ investigation which are now “focused.”
Various law enforcement partners from abroad have also joined the probe.
“As of this moment the investigation into the cases of the five missing boys have progressed to the stage where we are now focused in a particular direction and our responses are very speficic and distinct,” Mr. Greenslade said.
“We are partnering with our international law enforcement colleagues as we progress this investigation hence over the next few hours you will observe tremendous international and local resources being put into this investigation,” he added.
Over the weekend, Mr. Greenslade had announced that authorities had their “teeth into something” as they advance investigations into the disappearances of the five boys and were retaining a Bahamian male in custody for an additional 96 hours as inquiries continued.
These comments came in the midst of mounting anxiety on the part of Grand Bahama’s residents, who want to know whether or not the man in custody will be the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding the disappearances.
During a press briefing held Saturday afternoon, Mr. Greenslade said that the man arrested late Wednesday night, was continuing to assist police with the “delicate” stages of their ongoing investigations.
“We have extended [the incarceration period] and everything we are doing is within the law. Even if a person is suspected or incarcerated, that person still has rights. We are just being careful here that no rights are being contravened on either side, either of the families or loved ones or any suspects that we might have to deal with.”
Based on his comments, Mr. Greenslade was questioned several times on whether or not the male in custody was being classified as an actual suspect in the missing boy’s cases.
“I am just using that term [suspect] generally,” he responded.
According to Mr. Greenslade, the 96 hour extension would be enough time for investigators to “do what they had to do”, though he would not comment on whether or not officials were certain that charges would be filed against the male in question.
“I want to appeal to the general public to please continue to talk to us,” Mr. Greenslade noted. “We are only now making progress to the extent that I am encouraged based upon what is now being told to us by the pubic.”
The Assistant Commissioner said that children on Grand Bahama may also hold the key to solving the missing boys’ cases.
“We have spoken to packing boys at the Winn Dixie Supermarket several times over the course of investigations, and it is quite possible that some packing boys may have information [regarding the disappearances].”
Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt traveled to Grand Bahama Saturday to be officially briefed on the status of current investigations and host a press conference, where she once again plead for the public’s assistance in bringing closure to the cases that have now captured international media attention.
“The entire world is following these cases,” she noted. “I am here to show my support for the police officers here on Grand Bahama and I want to appeal to the public to allow the police officers to do their job.
“They cannot work if there is interference. I know that we are all concerned. I am and know that all of you are concerned about what is going on. You want answers. I want answers too.”
According to Mr. Greenslade, additional arrests may take place as authorities move forward with their investigations.
A police press briefing was expected to convene at 10 am Monday to give updates on the status of investigations into the missing boys’ cases on Grand Bahama
By Sharon Williams, The Bahama Journal
