Outcome of Investigation into ACOP Weekes

Tuesday, December 17,2024

Deputy Commissioner of Police Na'imah Astwood - "Following an independent investigation into allegations of Gross Misconduct on the part of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACOP), Martin Weekes, it has been determined there is no case to answer. However an allegation of discreditable conduct arising from the same matter was re-assessed, with the outcome being Management Advice, in accordance with Order 18 (5b) of the Police Conduct Orders 2016. The allegations arose from a personal WhatsApp conversation, which took place in 2018, between ACOP Weekes and a former BPS officer. This conversation, which was referenced in a Court of Appeal in its judgment, was later brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police. The investigation was conducted by a ranking officer from a United Kingdom police force. ACOP Weekes is scheduled to resume the role of ACOP Operations on December 23, 2024. As a delegated Appropriate Authority in the Bermuda Police Service, I do not typically provide detailed outcomes for such matters. However, given the rank of ACOP Weekes, the public attention this matter has garnered and in the interest of transparency, this outcome has been shared." Assistant Commissioner Weekes pictured below.

Khiry Furbert Murder Investigation

Monday, December 16,2024

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Clifford Roberts – “It is with regret that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of Mr. Khiry Furbert, in his 34th year of life and father to an 11 year old daughter. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Furbert during this time. At 12:42am on  Monday, 16th December 2024, police received a ‘911’ call from a member of the public who reported seeing a male laying in the road along Tribe Road No. 5 Ord Road, Paget next to a vehicle. Police and medical personnel attended the report where Mr. Furbert was found unresponsive. Lifesaving efforts were commenced and he was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Upon further examination at the hospital, Mr. Furbert was found to have suffered and succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound. The scene has been processed by the BPS Forensic team and forensic evidence was recovered. Officers from the Serious Crime Unit have commenced and are actively conducting house to house inquires and retrieving CCTV in an effort to progress this matter. The next of kin have been notified and a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family during this tragic period. Public safety is one of our top priorities and we want to assure you that officers are actively investigating this incident. The investigative team would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Mr. Furbert earlier in the evening of Sunday 15th December 2024 leading up to the time of his death. Be assured - we will continue to deploy resources in areas affected by crime so that our neighbourhoods remain safe and secure. Our officers are actively engaging with the community, and we encourage anyone with information related to this case to come forward to provide any information that may assist. If you were in the area of Tribe Road No. 5, Ord Road Paget and may have seen anyone or heard anything suspicious, whether a person or vehicle, sometime between midnight and 12:45am just prior to the incident, please let us know. No matter how insignificant you may believe it to be. You may contact the Senior Investigative Officer, Detective Sergeant 2193 Odessa Philip at ophilip@bps.bm, 717-2193, or you can call the Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477. You can also utilise the BPS online community reporting portal https://portal.police.bm. Should you be more comfortable telling an officer you know, please reach out to them. Again, the BPS extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Furbert’s family.”

Confirmed Firearms Incident [Updated]

Monday, December 16,2024

Around 12:45 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, police received a report of a male lying on the roadway along Tribe Road Number 5, Paget. Units were dispatched to the location where they found the male unresponsive with an apparent head wound, lying near an unattended motorcar with the engine running. EMTs were on scene and commenced life-saving efforts which continued as the victim was transported to the King Edward the VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment. A forensic support unit attended the scene and recovered evidence to suggest a firearm had discharged at that location. However, there were no reports of gunshots in the area. An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information or, who may have seen any suspicious activity occurring in the area of Tribe Road Number 5 and Ord Road, Paget, prior to this incident is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011. You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, share the information via the police Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm. Alternatively, if you feel more comfortable doing so, we urge you to provide the information to a police officer with whom you are familiar. Update: Acting Detective Chief Inspector Clifford Roberts – “It is with regret that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of Mr. Khiry Furbert, in his 34th year of life and father to an 11 year old daughter. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Furbert during this time. At 12:42am on  Monday, 16th December 2024, police received a ‘911’ call from a member of the public who reported seeing a male laying in the road along Tribe Road No. 5 Ord Road, Paget next to a vehicle. Police and medical personnel attended the report where Mr. Furbert was found unresponsive. Lifesaving efforts were commenced and he was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Upon further examination at the hospital, Mr. Furbert was found to have suffered and succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound. The scene has been processed by the BPS Forensic team and forensic evidence was recovered. Officers from the Serious Crime Unit have commenced and are actively conducting house to house inquires and retrieving CCTV in an effort to progress this matter. The next of kin have been notified and a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family during this tragic period. Public safety is one of our top priorities and we want to assure you that officers are actively investigating this incident. The investigative team would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Mr. Furbert earlier in the evening of Sunday 15th December 2024 leading up to the time of his death. Be assured - we will continue to deploy resources in areas affected by crime so that our neighbourhoods remain safe and secure. Our officers are actively engaging with the community, and we encourage anyone with information related to this case to come forward to provide any information that may assist. If you were in the area of Tribe Road No. 5, Ord Road Paget and may have seen anyone or heard anything suspicious, whether a person or vehicle, sometime between midnight and 12:45am just prior to the incident, please let us know. No matter how insignificant you may believe it to be. You may contact the Senior Investigative Officer, Detective Sergeant 2193 Odessa Philip at ophilip@bps.bm, 717-2193, or you can call the Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477. You can also utilise the BPS online community reporting portal https://portal.police.bm. Should you be more comfortable telling an officer you know, please reach out to them. Again, the BPS extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Furbert’s family.”

Officer Dismissed

Friday, December 13,2024

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) announces that following a disciplinary hearing, a Police Superintendent has been dismissed from the service without notice. The dismissal comes after a panel found the officer guilty of conduct that was deemed incompatible with the high standards of integrity required for continued service within the BPS. Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated, "This decision, while difficult, reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity within the Bermuda Police Service. We recognize that public trust is paramount in our ability to serve and protect effectively." This action underscores the BPS's dedication to holding all officers, regardless of rank or length of service, to the same high standards of professional conduct. The service remains committed to its mission of making Bermuda safer through professional, transparent, and accountable policing. No further comment will be made.

One Year Since Murder of Steve Parkes, Investigation Remains Active

Wednesday, December 11,2024

Detectives continue to investigate the murder of Steve Parkes, which occurred around 7:48pm Monday, 11th December 2023 in the Mary Victoria Road, Devonshire area. Mr. Parkes was 53-years-old when he was fatally shot outside his home, as he was about to get on his motorcycle. The investigators renew their appeal for relevant information, in particular from area residents who may have seen any suspicious individuals or vehicles in the Mary Victoria Road, Devonshire neighbourhood on the night Mr. Parkes was killed. All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence. Anyone that can assist is encouraged to contact Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa by calling 717-2250, or e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, as well as their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.