Fairfield, St. Michael — 25-Year-Old Romario Payne of Haynesville Killed in Fatal Shooting on Simmons Land
FAIRFIELD, St. Michael — A devastating act of gun violence has left one man dead and a community shaken after 25-year-old Romario Payne of Haynesville, St. James, was fatally shot on the night of Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The incident occurred in Fairfield, St. Michael, along Simmons Land, where police say a group of men had just exited a vehicle when shots suddenly rang out.
The Shooting
According to the Royal Barbados Police Force, officers from Black Rock Police Station were dispatched to the scene around 10:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire. When law enforcement arrived, they found Payne suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were called in, but despite their best efforts, Payne was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told police that Payne and several other men had arrived in the neighborhood by car before being ambushed by gunfire. The group scattered as the shots were fired, but Payne was struck and collapsed along Simmons Land. The other men managed to flee and later provided preliminary statements to investigators.
Police Response and Investigation
The area was immediately cordoned off as crime scene investigators processed evidence and spoke with nearby residents. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding properties and canvassing for additional witnesses to piece together the events leading to the deadly shooting.
Law enforcement officials have not released a motive for the attack and have not confirmed whether Payne was specifically targeted. Police are appealing to the public for information that may help identify the suspects, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential in solving such violent crimes.
Community Shock and Grief
The fatal shooting has sparked grief across both St. Michael and St. James, where Payne had ties. Residents described him as a young man with his life ahead of him, now tragically cut short by violence.
“This is heartbreaking. Romario was only 25, still finding his way in life,” said one Fairfield resident. “It’s hard to understand why this keeps happening in our neighborhoods.”
The incident also reignites concerns over escalating gun violence on the island, with community leaders once again calling for stronger intervention measures and greater investment in youth programs to deter crime.
Official Appeal
The Royal Barbados Police Force has urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers as investigators work urgently to identify those responsible.
“This was a senseless act of violence that has stolen the life of a young man and left a family grieving,” a police spokesperson said. “We need the public’s help to ensure justice is served.”
Broader Concerns
Wednesday night’s shooting underscores ongoing concerns about public safety, particularly in residential neighborhoods where families live and children play. The presence of gun violence in such spaces has left residents unsettled, with many calling for increased patrols and more visible police presence.
Conclusion
The tragic death of 25-year-old Romario Payne has cast a shadow of grief over Fairfield and beyond. As police continue their investigation, Payne’s family and friends are left grappling with a devastating loss, and the wider community reflects once more on the urgent need to address violent crime.