Police in Cat Island remained busy on Thursday trying to piece together any evidence found to determine a motive for the double murders that occurred on Tuesday night. The murder of 49-year-old Carroll Meredith and 28-year-old Victor Hoyte raised the nation’s murder count to 28 and 29, respectively.
Officer in charge of the New Bight Police Station, Inspector Ashton Greenslade, told The Guardian that the individual arrested by police remains in custody at the station and was fully “cooperating” with the police. The suspect, he said, would be transported to the capital in “short order” to be arraigned. However, Inspector Greenslade said because of security reasons, he did not want to state the exact date.
Mr Greenslade said Larry Meredith, husband of Carroll Meredith, was presently at the station being interviewed by police. It was reported that Mr Meredith was off the island during the murder. He had left on Monday to purchase supplies for their business.
Asked about the mood of Mr Meredith, Inspector Greenslade responded: “He is real strong. He is doing ok and he is doing his best.” The Guardian also queried whether Mr Meredith, a resident of Florida, had express any intention to relocate. Mr Greenslade said Mr Meredith had business interests on the island and did not say that he wanted to leave.
Inspector Greenslade said as of Thursday, the island seemed to be “back to normal” and many residents were happy about the speedy response of the police. ” I am confident that we have the right person, but justice would have to take its course. We are taking our time and making sure that what we are doing is the right thing,” he said, adding that a team of detectives from Nassau remained on the island conducting investigations.
According to police press liaison officer, Chief Superintendent Hulan Hanna, police received information from the live-in companion of Victor Hoyte of Zonicle Hill, that sometime after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, they were awakened by knocks at their door. Mr Hoyte went to find out who was at the door and after audible words were exchanged with the visitor, the conversation ended with a single gunshot being heard. Mr Hanna said it was also reported that a vehicle was seen leaving the area. He said the police were immediately summoned and the body of Mr Hoyte was found lying in the doorway with gunshot wounds to the left side of his head. Mr Hoyte, 28, operated a mechanic body shop.
Mr Hanna said following the discovery of Hoyte’s body, further investigations led police to a house in New Bight occupied by Larry Meredith and his 49-year-old wife Carroll Meredith. Carroll Meredith was found with her throat slashed.
Mr Hanna said it is believed that both matters are connected and a 28-year-old suspect of Old Bight had been arrested for questioning on both matters.
By TAMARA McKENZIE,Guardian Staff Reporter
