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Family Disputes Drowning Ruling in Bahamas Resort Death of Maryland Music Producer
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The family of a Maryland-based music producer, Dinari McAlmont, who was discovered dead while vacationing at a resort in the Bahamas, is contesting the official ruling of drowning, asserting that he was murdered.
Frustration and Demand for Answers
The distraught relatives of Dinari McAlmont are appealing for “international assistance” as the 23-year-old’s mother has reportedly been prevented from seeing her son’s body a week after his untimely death.
Marcelle Bacchus, McAlmont’s aunt, described the agonizing week her sister has endured seeking clarification surrounding her son’s death. Dinari McAlmont was found deceased on a beach on April 5.
Morgue Access Denied, Evidence Concerns Raised
“My sister is deeply frustrated,” Bacchus conveyed in a Facebook post on Friday. “She has not yet been able to see her son.”
Bacchus also disclosed that cameras were prohibited inside the morgue, fueling the family’s concerns that crucial evidence related to the case might be compromised.
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“Cameras were not permitted in the morgue. Law enforcement officials have not released any photographic evidence publicly. No video footage has been provided to date. We are concerned that evidence may disappear,” Bacchus stated.
Timeline of Events Leading to Paradise Island Tragedy
McAlmont arrived in the Caribbean nation on April 4 for a getaway with his parents at the Atlantis Paradise Bahamas resort.
Following a family dinner, McAlmont reportedly mentioned feeling cold and wanting to retrieve a jacket before exploring the resort at approximately 9 p.m. He was found dead roughly 12 hours after arriving in the Bahamas.
McAlmont’s parents reported him missing around 11 p.m. and initiated a search.
Authorities located his lifeless body on the shoreline of Paradise Island at 5:30 a.m. the following morning.
Official Ruling Contested by Family
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has determined that McAlmont’s death was the result of drowning and indicated they do not suspect any criminal activity.
“A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the pathologist’s findings indicated that the cause of death was drowning,” the RBPF announced in a press briefing on Wednesday.
However, the grieving aunt revealed that the release of McAlmont’s body to the funeral home on Thursday was delayed due to a clerical error involving a misspelling of his name by the morgue.
Mother Alleges Son Was “Beaten,” Demands Justice
Michelle McAlmont, Dinari’s mother, was only shown a photograph of her son, briefly viewing what she described as his “beaten” body.
“When I saw the photo they showed me, my son had been beaten; he was traumatized,” she stated to Bahamian news outlet Eyewitness News.
“They assaulted my son on the beach,” she alleged. “I need justice for my baby. I demand justice.”
The heartbroken mother reiterated her assertion, stating her conviction that her son did not drown but was attacked.
“There is foul play involved,” Michelle McAlmont told Fox 5 DC. “Because of all the bruises and you can discern when someone has been abused and struck, yes, and that is what I am saying.”
Bacchus claims her sister was only given a fleeting glance at the photo and was not provided with a copy.
Prior Incident at Resort Restaurant
The sound engineer from Bowie, Maryland, was reportedly involved in an altercation with restaurant personnel at the resort before he allegedly spat on some of the workers.
“Police indicated they were searching for him because he apparently spat on certain staff members in a restaurant,” Michelle McAlmont stated on April 7.
Seeking Legal Accountability Through GoFundMe
Family members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal fees to “pursue accountability” in McAlmont’s death.
“Dinari was a kind and compassionate individual who positively impacted many lives. He leaves behind a legacy of love and fortitude that we are committed to safeguarding. Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us closer to achieving justice,” the fundraiser announcement stated.