Family ‘vindicated’: Azario death ruled homicide

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The officers allegedly involved in the shooting testified during the inquest. Jurors also heard from a ballistics expert brought by the family.

The issues in dispute during the inquest included: how many officers fired their weapons, whether Major brandished a gun and whether Major knew or had a relationship with any of the officers.

The officers said Major visited the bar looking for “Slim,” an officer who was among the four that allegedly killed him.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux presided over the inquest. David Cash represented the family.

Authorities recovered 45 bullet casings from the scene.

After the verdict, Azano Major, brother of the deceased, said: “It’s been a long time coming. I’m just happy that at least for tonight my family can have peace. We will see what the future holds.”

Fredia Major said she felt vindicated by the ruling and expressed hope that her brother’s death will spur reform.

“I feel like Azario’s name is going to live on and it’s going to create hope for so many people in The Bahamas for so many years to come,” she said. “And we’re looking for the justice system to be revamped and changed.”