A 53-year-old man shot dead on Monday evening in Devonshire has been named by police as Steve Parkes, who was preparing to leave on his motorcycle at 7.48pm on Mary Victoria Road when he was attacked.

Mr Parkes, nicknamed “Carpenter”, is not believed to have been specifically targeted in the shooting, according to Detective Inspector Jason Smith, who said the father of six may have been “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

The attack was the island’s fourth murder of 2023 and the third involving firearms.

The victim would have turned 54 on Christmas Day.

Mr Parkes had been home a short time before heading out to his vehicle, where he was shot.

Police received a flurry of calls reporting a shooting, and found Mr Parkes unresponsive in the road.

Officers performed CPR until other emergency services arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Forensic evidence recovered from the scene is being analysed, and police are appealing for information in connection with a white taxi — not suspected to be linked with the shooting — that passed through the area at about that time.

Mr Smith said it was “critical” for the driver of the taxi to get in touch with police.

He added: “We also know from lines of inquiry that there has been a vehicle that might be somewhat suspect to area residents who might have observed it over the last week or two.”

He called for residents who might be able to identify the vehicle, described as a white car, or its occupants, to contact police.

Mr Smith said anyone who was out and about in the area and who might have seen any moving vehicle, whether four- or two-wheeled, to assist with the investigation.

Chief Inspector Alex Rollin said there would be a heightened police presence “island wide” over the weeks ahead, as well as in the neighbourhood, where police are looking at improving security through better lighting and having undergrowth cut back.

He said there would be “proactive policing to help minimise the potential for any further violent incidents”.

As a general advisory, Mr Rollin urged anyone noticing riders in dark clothing on a motorcycle without a licence plate or with the licence plate covered to contact police immediately.

There were no details given on who might have been the intended target of the attack in Devonshire, or any vehicle used by the assailants.

“As we go into the Christmas period and a time normally of giving and seasonal cheer, a family today is left mourning the loss of a husband, a father and a member of our community,” Mr Smith said.

“We make this appeal to you today for any assistance you can give, to make contact with us. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

A reward of $5,000 is offered from the independent and confidential Crimestoppers hotline for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the murder of Mr Parkes.

The hotline can be reached at 800-8477. The public can also contact Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa of the serious crime unit at 717-2250.

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