(Mackie) Douglas, was found brutally murdered early yesterday morning in New York City.

Mr. Douglas, of Hermitage Road, Devonshire, was discovered face down in the back seat of his rental car in the Harlem area.

New York City Police spokesman, Sergeant John McCluskey, told The Royal Gazette last night that the 38-year-old Mr. Douglas was found dead with three gunshot wounds in his stomach and head. The sergeant said: "It was an apparent case of robbery because his wallet and the keys to the car were missing. So far there have been no arrests and no gun has been recovered.

Detectives are currently working on the case.'' It is known that Mr. Douglas had flown to Newark Airport, New Jersey, on Wednesday where he rented the car. He is believed to have been staying at the Ramada Inn in Newark.

When last seen Mr. Douglas was driving to a restaurant for an evening meal.

Sergeant McCluskey said Mr. Douglas' rented 1993 Chevy Corsica was found in front of 3261 Broadway in New York City shortly before 3.00 a.m. yesterday morning.

A New York area friend was called in to identify the body. He added that Bermuda authorities were informed and Mr. Douglas' family notified. However last night Police spokeswoman Sergeant Andrea Browne said she had no knowledge of the slaying.

When The Royal Gazette contacted Mr. Douglas' business/home telephone number an unidentified woman said: "I cannot make a statement at this time.'' Mr. Douglas was well respected throughout the Island for his marine work. He ran M.A.C.'s Marine Auto Care Service.

Close friend and fellow powerboat enthusiast Mr. Mark Selley was shocked on hearing of the brutal murder. "That is really, really sad. I can't believe it. He was a great guy -- he was involved with the Bermuda Powerboat Association quite a lot from about 1975 until 1985. He drove but he was the cream of the crop when it came to engines and installing them. He was tops in his class. He did a lot of subcontracting for me -- installing engines and things like that. I just can't believe he was murdered. He was from a family who were all very good at fixing engines. He was the kind of guy who would stand by you and help you out.'' Another friend Mr. Allan Edness was also stunned by the news. "He was the type who would do anything for you. He would give you the shirt off his back.''