Fourth Road Fatality for 2022 [Updated]
Wed, 2022-04-13
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday 12th April, 2022, police and other first responders attended a two vehicle road traffic collision, involving a motorcycle and a truck, at the junction of Radnor Road and North Shore Road, just west of the Crawl Hill Esso Service Station, Hamilton Parish.
The motorcycle rider, a 29-year-old male, complained of chest pain and possible head injuries.
He was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where while receiving treatment for what were determined to be life threatening injuries, he succumbed to those injuries.
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased during this difficult time.
An investigation into this matter, which marks the island's fourth road fatality of this year, has begun and anyone with information on this incident, is asked to call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011.
Update: Monday, 18th April - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 29-year-old Jason A. Lee, Bermuda’s fourth road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Lee was injured when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a truck and a wall on North Shore Road, Hamilton parish near Radnor Road around 3:30pm Tuesday, 12th April 2022.
The 29-year-old was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where while receiving treatment for what were determined to be life threatening injuries, Mr. Lee succumbed to those injuries in the Intensive Care Unit later Tuesday evening (12th April).
A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide support to loved ones of the deceased at this time.
Constable Tavoris Douglas is currently investigating the circumstances of this fatal collision and members of the public with any relevant information are once again asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011. Constable Douglas can also be reached via his e-mail tdouglas@bps.bm.
Read MoreTwo Suspects Arrested in Connection With Murder of Che Jennings
Tue, 2022-04-12
The Bermuda Police Service can confirm two persons have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of Che Jennings.
The suspects were arrested after warrants were executed in the Devonshire area in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 12th April, 2022.
They remain in custody at this time.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford said, “We continue to appeal for members of the public who may have any information at all on the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Jennings to please get in contact with us.”
Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen two men on a white motorcycle, heading east on Middle Road, Warwick, shortly after 8:30 p.m. last Thursday, 7th April, 2022, the night Mr. Jennings was shot repeatedly, in the carpark of the Warwick Workmen’s Club.
Mr. Stableford reminded, “The rider of that motorcycle wore a red jacket, while the passenger had on a yellow jacket. Both the rider and the passenger wore black helmets. We know these persons were in and around the Warwick and other areas for some time on the night of the shooting and would have been seen by members of the public. We urge you to please provide us with any information you have, even if you think it to be irrelevant, as soon as possible.”
Again, anyone with any information on this incident should call 211, 295-0011, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or, share that information with a police officer you’re comfortable speaking with.
Remember, we are all in this together.
First Quarter 2022 Operation Vega Update
Mon, 2022-04-11
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell (Tactical Support Division) – “We can now report that Operation Vega appears to have taken hold of collision statistics.
We reported a reduction in collisions by as many as 100 in the 4th quarter of 2021 when compared to the 4th quarter of the previous 3 years.
Now for the first quarter of 2022 we can again report a reduction in collisions, compared to previous years whilst Operation Vega has been running, as follows:
Year Total Collisions (1st Quarter)
2018 330
2019 324
2020 257
2021 306
2022 243
Whilst this shows some success with the launch of Operation Vega, it is not the panacea for reducing collisions.
Our approach has been twofold. Education – working in partnership with the Bermuda Road Safety Council – and enforcement.
We are saddened that we have been forced to put more energy into traffic enforcement to reverse collision trends. In the last two weeks, 353 moving violation tickets were issued and 36 motorist advice notices (warnings).
For the duration of Operation Vega, 4,448 traffic offenders have been put before the courts, to be dealt with for traffic offences.
Speeding continues to be the most dominant traffic offence reported.
We encourage the public to give their manner of driving or riding their full attention when operating a motor vehicle. Please slow down – speed kills!”
BPS Appeals for Patience & Understanding as Latest Murder Investigations Progress
Sun, 2022-04-10
The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for patience and understanding as we work to bring about justice and closure, for the relatives of Laje Franklin and Che Jennings, two young men who have been so violently taken away from their loved ones in recent days.
The investigation teams have constantly kept families informed and updated on the procedures involved and progress being made, immediately from the outset of these investigations.
Specifically trained officers are assigned for this purpose.
We understand and appreciate fully, that families are grieving the loss of loved ones.
However, there are protocols that the hospital authorities and the police must follow when these serious crimes occur.
This is not about being insensitive, but rather, doing what is necessary to ensure the integrity of these investigations.
We once again extend our condolences to the families of Laje Franklin and Che Jennings.
We continue to urge anyone with information on the circumstances surrounding their deaths, to please call 211, the main police number, 295-0011, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or, provide the information to any police officer with whom you’re familiar.
Update on Laje Franklin & Che Jennings Murder Investigations
Fri, 2022-04-08
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford - Good afternoon everyone.
I would like to provide an update on the investigations into two murders that have impacted our community this week. [Watch video of the Friday, 8th April 2022 press conference].
Firstly, Laje Franklin who we believe was shot and killed on Tuesday 5th April and found the following morning near Clearwater beach in St David’s. We continue to appeal for anyone who was in the area of St. George’s and St. David’s between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm on Tuesday 5th April to report anything suspicious they saw. I would ask that anyone in St. George’s and St. David’s with home CCTV, dash cams or video door bells to please save the footage as it may be of assistance to the investigation as it progresses.
I would like to thank those people that have responded and so far it has been helpful to receive the support of the community to progress. We have a number of lines of enquiry we are continuing to progress.
Secondly, the shooting last night (Thursday 7th April) about 8.30 pm was in the car park of the Warwick Workman’s Club on Cobbs Hill Road, Warwick where the community was enjoying a kite making and Easter event for families.
The young man that was shot was Che Jennings 24 years old from Warwick who was shot multiple times. A photograph of Che has been provided by the
family (shown right) and will be sent out immediately following this press conference.
We are asking for the public’s help in tracing the movements of the two suspects who were seen riding in the area before Che was shot on a white Honda motorcycle. The rider was wearing a red jacket and the passenger a yellow jacket both with black helmets. I repeat, a white Honda with the rider wearing a red jacket and the passenger a yellow jacket both with black helmets.
People with home CCTV, dash cams or video door bells can help by looking at their footage for these suspects from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm last night (Thursday 7th April).
There are some key points I would like to make:
At this time, we do not believe the two incidents are linked.
The question of these being gang related; it is a line of enquiry that is being explored as it relates to both murders but it is still too early to be definitive and we have to remain open minded.
I will not confirm how many times either young man was shot as this remains as part of the investigation strategy other than to say both were shot multiple times.
We are awaiting forensic results on both matters that takes time to arrange.
A person was arrested shortly after the shooting of Che Jennings but has now been released on police bail while we make further enquiries.
We have assigned separate teams for these investigations.
A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the families through the police.
Any relevant footage can be uploaded directly to the police at https://portal.police.bm/crime.
Anyone with any information is asked to call 211 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.
Sudden Death of 69-Year-Old Alfred Brookes
Fri, 2022-04-08
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 69-year-old Alfred Brookes and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Brookes was found in an unresponsive state floating in the ocean off Penhurst Park dock, North Shore Road, Smith’s parish around 12:25pm Monday, 4th April 2022.
Two members of the public assisted police in retrieving Mr. Brookes from the ocean and lifesaving efforts were immediately commenced – which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.
However, sadly, Mr. Brookes was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Foul play is not suspected but an autopsy is anticipated.
The BPS commends the two men that provided assistance, one of whom entered the rough seas during the retrieval of Mr. Brookes’ body.
Inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this sudden death and anyone with any relevant information is now encouraged to call Constable Cecilia Wales on 211 or e-mail crogers@bps.bm as soon as possible.
Witness Appeal: Single Vehicle Car Crash in St. George’s
Fri, 2022-04-08
Around 12:05am today, Friday 8th April 2022 police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel attended a reported single vehicle car crash on Kindley Field Road in St. George’s, near Stone Crusher Corner.
Early information suggests that the car involved was being driven west along Kindley Field Road when it went off the road, struck a wooden railing and overturned.
The driver, said to be a 28-year-old Hamilton parish man, was injured but conscious and alert on police arrival.
He had to be assisted out of the crashed vehicle by emergency services personnel and members of the public, before being transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment.
It is anticipated that the 28-year-old man will be discharged from the hospital later today.
Inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this car crash and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm.
Fatal Firearm Incident: 24-Year-Old Man Shot Dead in Warwick [Updated]
Fri, 2022-04-08
Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, 7th April, 2022, police received several reports of multiple gunshots at the Warwick Workmen’s Club.
Police and Emergency Services were despatched to the scene and upon arrival, found an unresponsive twenty-four-year-old male lying in the club’s car park.
The victim was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
With the investigation into this incident still in the early stages, details are limited.
However, there were several patrons at the club at the time of the incident and police urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any information about it, to please call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Alternatively, you may also share that information with a police officer with whom you are familiar.
Update: 24-year-old Che Jennings identified as man fatally shot outside Warwick Workmen's Club.
Update: Thursday, 14th April - Two men arrested in connection with the murder of Che Jennings released on police bail.
Investigation Ongoing: Murder of 18-Year-Old Laje Franklin
Thu, 2022-04-07
The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the identity of the young man who was gunned down in St. David’s as 18-year-old Laje Franklin (pictured) from St. George’s
and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
The investigation into his murder continues and anyone who has any CCTV, dash cams or video door bells with footage from 10:30pm to 11:30pm on Tuesday 5th April 2022 around St. George’s and St. David’s is asked to secure the footage, as it may be vital to the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford said, “I would like to thank the public, as many people have already come forward offering information and support to the police.
It is a testament to the closeness of the community in the east of the island that has been impacted by this killing.”
Any relevant footage can be uploaded directly to the police at https://portal.police.bm/crime and anyone with any information is urged to call 211 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477 as soon as possible.
Confirmed Firearm Incident in Paget Monday Night: No Reported Injuries
Wed, 2022-04-06
Around 9:10pm Monday, 4th April 2022 one 911 call was received reporting a single gunshot heard in the Ord Road, Tribe Road No. 5, Paget area.
Police officers responded and conducted inquiries in the area but at that time, nothing was found to confirm the report.
However, evidence was located later the next day, Tuesday 5th April that substantiated a confirmed firearm incident.
There were no reported injuries. Anyone with relevant information is urged to call 211 as soon as possible or 911 in an emergency.
Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477, or visiting the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website www.crimestoppers.bm.
