Sat, 2009-05-23

Superintendent James Howard & Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels

Superintendent Howard - Good Afternoon members of the media:

Over the last two days there have been three gun related incidents which has resulted in the loss of one life and four other men in hospital being treated for gunshot wounds.

First the Bermuda Police Service can confirm the death of 27 year old Kenwandee Robinson of Pembroke who died as a result of a gunshot wound to the body which was sustained as a result of a drive by shooting on St. Monica’s Road on Friday afternoon. The Bermuda Police Service would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. The second victim in that shooting, a man in his 20s, remains in KEMH receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The first incident occurred about 2:45pm on Friday afternoon. Two persons on a motorcycle drove past a group of men in the St. Monica’s area and opened fire. While Police and other Emergency Services were attending the scene, reports were received of gunshots fired in the Middletown, Pembroke area; follow up enquiries have confirmed the incident, however there were no reported injuries.

About 9am today Saturday, Police responded to reports of gunshots on Court Street in Pembroke. It appears that a person driving a dark coloured car was pursuing a man on Court Street. That man then ran into an establishment at the junction of Court and Elliot Streets. The suspect then opened fire resulting in three men being shot. The suspect made good his escape. All three men were taken to the hospital where they are presently being treated for injuries which are classified as non-life threatening.

Police are satisfied that these events are part of the ongoing feud between two neighbouring Criminal Gangs. We are satisfied that in the overwhelming majority of violent incidents the persons are known to each other.

To my right is Detective Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels, who will speak more specifically about the ongoing investigation into these incidents.

Chief Inspector Daniels - The investigation is currently being headed by me (Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels) of the Serious Crime Unit and I am being assisted by my second in command Detective Inspector Jerome Laws, along with a team of detectives.

Investigators would like to make a number of appeals regarding the following.

• Anyone who was in or around the area of St. Monica’s Road between 2pm – 3pm yesterday
• Anyone who saw two man traveling on a motorcycle at about 2.30 – 2.40pm in or around the St. Monica’s Road area and witnessed the firing of shots or any other activity whether they believe it to be suspicious or not
• Anyone who many have any information regarding the shooting which occurred at St. Monica’s Road yesterday, whether they believe it to be important or not
• Anyone who was in or around the area of Court Street between 8am – 9am today
• Anyone who saw two men or three men traveling inside of a colored motorcar at about 8.45am – 9am in or around the Court Street area and witnessed the firing of shots or any other activity whether they believe it to be suspicious or not are asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or 295-0011. Alternatively, they can also contact the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.

Superintendent Howard’s closing - As a result of the incidents that have taken place in the last 24 hours safety of our community is the Bermuda Police Service’s first priority and additional officers including Armed Response Vehicles are now on duty.

In an effort to curtail the violence and provide increased security for the Bermuda Day Holiday weekend events Police will be employing a number of Road Checks throughout the Island. We are advising the public if they are going out for the evening to leave a few minutes earlier to allow for any delays this may cause.

We appreciate the co-operation of the public in this matter & their continuing assistance as we work to bring those responsible for these unlawful acts to justice.

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