Laje Franklin Murder Remains Under Investigation Three Years Later
Tue, 2025-04-08
Shortly after 6:30am Wednesday, 6th April 2022, a passer-by found 18-year-old Laje Franklin’s lifeless body with multiple gunshot wounds, lying near the roundabout along the roadway leading to Clearwater Beach, St. David’s.
Detectives believe that the young man was fatally shot near where he was found.
Although one person was initially arrested in connection with the 18-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail, to date no further arrests have been made relating to his killing.
Three years later, this murder investigation remains active.
Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Laje Franklin’s murder.
As a result, the appeal is renewed for anyone who heard any suspicious noises, or saw suspicious activity in the area of Tommy Fox Road, or near the Gulfstream residences at Southside, between 11pm Tuesday, 5th April 2022 and the early hours of Wednesday, 6th April 2022, to come forward.
Members of the public that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence.
Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm.
In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.
Photo of Laje Franklin.
Read MoreJordan Outerbridge Murder Investigation Still Active After Four Years
Tue, 2025-04-08
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is renewing the appeal for information regarding the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Jordan Outerbridge.
On the night of his murder four years ago, around 10:30pm Tuesday, 6th April 2021, Mr. Outerbridge was the first person to leave a regularly scheduled card game at a nearby Tribe Road Number 2, Warwick residence.
As he was about to head home to his wife and two girls along the Railway Trail in Warwick, a gunman wearing a blue coloured jacket with a hood shot him multiple times, before escaping on the back of a waiting motorcycle.
The gunman’s accomplice, riding the motorcycle, wore black clothing.
To date, no one has been arrested in connection with the 37-year-old’s murder.
Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Outerbridge’s killing.
Anyone that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence.
Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm.
In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.
Confirmed Firearm Incident in Hamilton Parish: No Reported Injuries
Tue, 2025-04-08
Shortly before 11:30 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2025, Police received a report of gunshots at a residence on My Lord’s Bay Lane, Hamilton Parish.
Details are limited at this time.
However, evidence was recovered at the scene to confirm that a firearm was discharged.
None of the occupants at the residence were injured during this incident.
An investigation into this matter is now underway and Police are requesting residents of My Lord’s Bay Lane, who may have security cameras on their premises, to please check the devices for any suspicious individuals or activity, which may have been recorded shortly before, or after, the time of the incident.
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation into this matter, is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800–8477.
You may also call 211, or share the information with a police officer you know. Alternatively, we encourage you to use the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.
Hamilton Parish Collision Witness Appeal
Fri, 2025-04-04
Shortly after 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, police attended a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a motorcar at the junction of North Shore Road with Cottage Hill Road, Hamilton Parish.
Officers were informed that both vehicles were traveling in an easterly direction along North Shore Road. It is understood the motorcar driver attempted to make a right hand turn onto Cottage Hill when the two vehicles collided.
The motorcyclist, a female, appeared to have suffered a head injury and was in and out of consciousness at the scene. She was attended to at the scene by EMTs and subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment. At last check she was reported to be in stable condition.
The motorcar driver, also a female, did not appear to have been injured in the collision.
The roadway was closed to vehicular traffic for approximately two hours, with diversions in place at Trinity Church Road and Sleepy Hollow, Hamilton Parish, while the scene was forensically processed.
We wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this exercise.
An investigation into this incident is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable, Cecelia Wales, via e-mail at cwales@bps.bm or by calling the main police number 295-0011.
Marine incident
Thu, 2025-04-03
Around 4:25 P.M. on Thursday March 3, 2025, police and other first responders attended a reported marine incident near Sandy’s Dock, Devonshire.
Upon arrival officers observed a person floating in the water. Officers called out to the individual, but received no response.
Coast Guard personnel were contacted. They arrived shortly after and pulled the individual, a male, from the water onto their boat.
He was taken to the nearby Devonshire Dock where he was attended to by EMTs and conveyed via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
At last check, he was alert and talking.
2024-2025 Legends & Superstars Sports Cards Feature 20 Local Sports
Thu, 2025-04-03
Did you know that the 2024-2025 Bermuda Legends & Superstars sports cards – produced by the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in cooperation with Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – feature 20 different local sports?
These include triathlon, boxing, track & field, road running, football, golf, bowling, cycling, archery, martial arts, sailing, cricket, tennis, rugby, netball, swimming, squash, diving, field hockey and softball.
This month’s set of five cards includes three women and two men, featuring (in no particular order):
Brian Wellman (Track & Field) Legend
Jenny Smatt (Swimming) Legend
Rachael Betschart (Sailing) Superstar
Leilanni Nesbeth (Football) Superstar
Quinton Sherlock Jr. (Golf) Superstar
With April’s release, 10 Legends & 30 Superstars have been revealed to date, leaving only one Legend and three Superstars to be unveiled for this 2024-2025 sports cards series.
Thanks to the partnership with Hamilton Princess, a total of 40 collectible sports cards have been released since 1st October 2024, with the final card set scheduled to be distributed next month.
All 44 Legends and Superstars sports cards feature the local athlete’s name, photo and sport on the front, while the reverse side provides a synopsis of their notable sporting achievements, as well as a personal quote.
Our youth are encouraged to actively seek out police officers on patrol throughout the island for an opportunity, through positive interaction or engagement, to receive one of the latest collectible sports cards!
Students may also collect one of the 40 inspiring sports cards released to date at any police station (Hamilton, Somerset and Southside). However, please note that some cards may no longer be available.
Who are the final four local sporting heroes to be unveiled? Follow BPS social media (Facebook, Instagram & X/Twitter) to find out!
Stolen Motorcycles
Thu, 2025-04-03
For the period January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) received an alarming 208 motorcycle theft reports. 99 of those motorcycles have been recovered by the BPS.
Chief Inspector, Robert Cardwell stated, “The Tactical Division has carried out a detailed analysis of the reported thefts. That analysis has identified a number of potential suspects. We are now conducting further inquiries to ascertain the evidential leads of those suspects. A team is being assembled to follow up on those leads. It is the intent to hold all suspects accountable for their actions and place them before the courts so that justice can prevail.”
Mr. Cardwell also highlighted an issue which impacts suspects being brought before the courts for this offence. “Often hindering prosecution, is that once a motorcycle is recovered, the complainant does not want to proceed with a prosecution after they’ve received financial settlement from their insurance company for the stolen bike. Without a complainant, we are unable to proceed. We are now in discussion with motor vehicle insurers to see how best this situation might be addressed with their assistance.”
All of the complaints of motorcycle theft during the first three months of this year, report that the vehicle was secured with only the handlebar lock. The BPS once again encourages all motorcycle users to also use a secondary lock, preferably attached to a stationary object that cannot be moved. At night, park bikes in well-lit areas and in all cases be sure not to leave keys in the ignition or spare keys with your bike.
Thieves rely on speed and ease of removal when they steal a vehicle. The delay created by having to remove a secondary lock, could mean the difference between your bike being taken or not. Any person with any information on motorcycle theft is asked to reach out to Chief Inspector Cardwell on 247-1076. You may also call the main police number 295-0011, or 211.
If you’d prefer, please share the information with a police officer you know or by using the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.
Witness Appeal: Suspicious Activity, Spanish Point Road, Pembroke Area
Wed, 2025-03-26
Around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, police received a report of suspicious activity outside a private residence in the Spanish Point Road area of Pembroke Parish.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with occupants who reported hearing a strange noise outside a bedroom window and upon going out to determine the source, observed two individuals wearing dark coloured clothing and black helmets, running out of the driveway.
An area search was conducted by officers and two rounds of suspected live ammunition were recovered at the scene.
An investigation into this incident is now underway.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, particularly residents of Spanish Point Road, who have Ring cameras or other CCTV devices, to please check them for recordings of any suspicious activity or individuals fitting the descriptions of the suspects to please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 247-1739.
You may also call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.
Alternatively, if you are more comfortable doing so, please share the information with a police officer you know or via the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.
Officer Dismissal
Tue, 2025-03-25
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that a Police Constable has been dismissed today, following a disciplinary panel hearing.
The Panel determined that the officer’s actions amounted to Gross Misconduct and that the breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour were incompatible with continued service in the BPS.
The officer was given legitimate access to the funds of a vulnerable person and was found to have misused some of them for personal gain.
The matter was unconnected to her police role.
Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated, “I have taken the decision, moving forward, to provide some context when notifying of dismissals. This is to provide clarity and minimise unnecessary speculation. By being transparent about disciplinary matters that result in dismissal, we set the stage for higher levels of internal and community trust. Please know that these decisions are not taken lightly, and they reinforce a fundamental truth: honesty and integrity are non-negotiable in policing.”
No further comment will be provided.
Motorcyclist Hurt in Collision on Middle Road, Southampton
Sat, 2025-03-22
Just before 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025, police and first responders were called to the scene of a serious two-vehicle collision east of Seymour Farm Road in Southampton.
Reports indicate that a man driving a car exited a private driveway and collided with a motorcyclist traveling in the westbound lane. The motorcyclist is believed to have sustained potentially serious injuries and has been taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment. The car driver reportedly did not suffer any injuries.
Traffic diversions are in effect at the junction of South Road and Middle Road (also known as Barnes Corner) and at the Middle Road/St. Anne’s Road junction.
Motorists should anticipate delays as police investigate the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact PC 2556 Tashun Simons at 515-2556 or via email at tsimons2@bps.bm.
