Arrest Made in Connection With Murder of Laje Franklin

Friday, April 15,2022

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm an individual has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of Laje Franklin. The subject remains in police custody at this time. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford said, “We appeal to members of the public who may have seen a group of motor bikes leaving St. George around 11:00 pm on Tuesday 5th April 2022, to please get in contact with us.” 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. Meanwhile, the two men arrested in relation to the murder of Che Jennings, have been released on police bail.

Acting Superintendent Laws Completes Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command Workshop

Wednesday, April 13,2022

As the Bermuda Police Service seeks to ensure continued best practice throughout its ranks, Acting Superintendent, Jerome Laws, recently attended a Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command, (MAGIC), workshop in Miami, Florida, USA. The training, conducted between March 28th – 31st 2022, was facilitated by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office for the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Monserrat, and Turks and Caicos. The MAGIC training aims were to develop delegates' confidence, understanding and ability to perform the role of Gold Commander by planning, implementing and reviewing a multi-agency strategy to ensure the timely resolution of a major incident or civil emergency. The training provided a legislative and practical framework for strategic level command in emergencies and major incidents, where a multi-agency response is required.

Fourth Road Fatality for 2022 [Updated]

Wednesday, April 13,2022

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.

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection With Murder of Che Jennings

Tuesday, April 12,2022

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

Monday, April 11,2022

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

Sunday, April 10,2022

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

Friday, April 08,2022

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

Friday, April 08,2022

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

Friday, April 08,2022

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]

Friday, April 08,2022

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

Friday, April 08,2022

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

Wednesday, April 06,2022

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.

Murder Investigation Underway After 18-Year-Old Man Found Shot Dead [Updated]

Wednesday, April 06,2022

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm it has begun a murder investigation into the death of an eighteen-year-old male, whose lifeless body was found at Southside earlier today (Wednesday, 6th April 2022). A passer-by contacted police shortly after 6:30 this morning and reported there was an unresponsive male lying near the roundabout on the roadway leading to Clearwater Beach. Police attended the scene and located the body, which bore confirmed gunshot wounds. Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith, of the Serious Crime Unit said, “There was forensic evidence recovered at the scene to confirm the male was shot near where his body was found. We are appealing for anyone who may have heard any suspicious noises or seen anyone acting in a suspicious manner in the area of Tommy Fox Road or near the Gulfstream residences at Southside, between 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday 5th April 2022 and the early hours of today, Wednesday 6th April, 2022, to please get in contact with us.” Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Mr. Smith on 717-0864. You may also call 211, the main police number 295-0011, or, Bermuda Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. Alternatively, you may also share any information you might have regarding this incident, by speaking with a police officer with whom you are familiar. Mr. Smith added, “Yet another young man has been taken away from us and again by means of a senseless act of violence. I urge the public to come forward and tell us what you know, to not only help bring whomever is responsible to justice, but also to bring closure to the family of this young man, who are left to mourn his passing.” Update: Thursday, 7th April - Investigation ongoing regarding the murder of 18-year-old Laje Franklin. Update: Thursday, 14th April - Arrest made in connection with the murder of Laje Franklin.

Active Investigation Continues Into Murder of Jordan Outerbridge 1 Year Later

Wednesday, April 06,2022

Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith (Senior Investigating Officer) – “Approximately 10:30pm on 6th April 2021 37-year-old Mr. Jordan Outerbridge (pictured) had just finished playing a game of cards at a residence on Tribe Road No. 2 in Warwick. He was on his way home to his family – his wife and at that time, his 1-year-old daughter and 11-year-old stepdaughter. As he was about to leave, he was set upon by a male who shot him several times. After he was shot, Mr. Outerbridge received lifesaving measures including CPR to save his life, but tragically, he was later pronounced dead. The investigation that began last year is still active today. Since the 6th April 2021, we have made some progress in this investigation, but we are not finished yet. We do know that in particular there are area residents who may have seen the suspect vehicle, prior to the shooting. And we believe that based on our investigation so far, that the suspect motorcycle was patrolling up and down Tribe Road No. 2 just prior to the shooting. In fact, our investigation leads us to believe it was somewhere in the region of 10pm 6th April 2021 when the suspect vehicle was on Tribe Road No. 2. As we said earlier, we believe Mr. Outerbridge was not the intended victim, which makes this case even more tragic – that an innocent man would have lost his life in such a violent manner – leaving behind a wife and two young children. So today, on the one-year anniversary of his murder, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues to appeal for anyone who has information about the fatal shooting of Jordan Outerbridge to make contact with us. We are interested in those residents who heard the gunshots and then would have seen or heard the suspect motorcycle leaving the Tribe Road No. 2 Warwick area. The direction of travel of the motorcycle after it left Tribe Road No. 2, we believe, was turning right on Ord Road heading toward the Belmont Hills golf course. It is understood that the motorcycle’s passenger had the gun. Our investigative hypothesis is that the suspects are involved in a gang and the intended target is in a gang – but to reiterate, Mr. Outerbridge was not the intended target. Our investigation also leads us to believe that same motorcycle travelled to the City of Hamilton. We do know that at the time of this shooting a curfew was in place at 11pm. If there were people on the streets who saw a motorcycle travelling in an erratic manner the night of 6th April 2021 – we said previously that one of the riders had on a blue jacket, we are still interested in that – if those individuals that saw something could come forward to assist in bringing closure to the family of Mr. Outerbridge, we would greatly appreciate it. There are several police units actively involved in this investigation – that includes intelligence, forensics, detectives and Parish Constables. Of course, as the investigation has progressed, we are also in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). We feel we are making progress in this investigation, which is why this appeal is even more important. We are eager to speak with anyone that has information that can take our investigation to the point of presenting a file to the DPP – that is what we are aiming for. We need the community’s support to help us solve this case. It is incredibly difficult for the Outerbridge family, who are still grieving the loss of their loved one Mr. Jordan Outerbridge, who lost his life doing something he did on a regular basis – playing cards. We know for certain there are persons in our community that have information that is critical to this investigation – and their support makes a big difference whether this case is solved or goes unsolved. As always, those with information that can assist but wish to remain anonymous can call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477 or submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website www.crimestoppers.bm. Similarly, I can be contacted on 717-0864 or e-mail jsmith2@bps.bm. Members of the public with relevant information may also speak to their community leaders (who in turn are invited to make contact with the BPS), or a member of the BPS they know. All information is valuable. The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to bringing those involved in Mr. Outerbridge’s murder to justice and providing some resolution to the Outerbridge family.”

One Teen Hurt, Two Teens Arrested After Saturday Stabbing Incident

Tuesday, April 05,2022

Detectives continue their inquiries into a stabbing incident that occurred around 1:35pm Saturday, 2nd April 2022 near the City of Hamilton bus terminal. Police officers responded Saturday afternoon (2nd April) after a 911 call about three males involved in an altercation. Two suspects, a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, were arrested in the area a short time later. Both teens have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries. A 13-year-old boy attended King Edward VII Memorial Hospital later that day with a non-life threatening upper back injury. He was treated and discharged. Investigators would like to thank those members of the public who have already assisted with inquiries and appeal for anyone who may have video footage of Saturday afternoon’s stabbing incident to make contact with Acting Detective Sergeant Seymour Foote on 717-2282, e-mail sfoote@bps.bm or call 247-1744.

Sudden Death of 69-Year-Old-Man [Updated]

Monday, April 04,2022

Around 12:25pm Monday, 4th April 2022 a 911 call was received of a body overboard in the waters off Penhurst Park dock, North Shore Road, Smith’s parish. Coastguard, police and ambulance personnel attended the scene. The individual involved, believed to be a 69-year-old Smith’s parish man, was recovered from the ocean and lifesaving efforts commenced – which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance. However, sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Once next of kin have been notified, official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course. Inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this sudden death. Anyone with any relevant information is encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Friday, 8th April - 69-year-old Alfred Brookes identified.

Operation Mizar: 4 Arrested, Cannabis Worth Estimated $1.2 Million Seized

Monday, April 04,2022

On Thursday 24th March 2022, police conducted a joint operation dubbed, “Operation Mizar”, with HM Customs. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Drugs Unit were called in after officers from HM Customs intercepted a shipment found to contain about 58 pounds of cannabis, with an estimated street value of $1.2 million (Bermuda dollars). Four persons were arrested in relation to this matter, and three residences in Warwick were searched. Detective Chief Inspector Sherwin Joseph, who heads up the Specialist Investigations Department stated, “The importation of cannabis is still illegal. What we understand is that controlled drugs imported in such a manner involve persons who are members of organised crime groups, who are also involved in gang and gun culture.” No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into this incident.

Third Road Fatality for 2022: 51-Year-Old Wayne J. Augustus

Tuesday, March 29,2022

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 51-year-old Wayne J. Augustus, Bermuda’s third road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Augustus (rider) was seriously injured in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on South Road, Southampton near Church Bay around 3:15am Saturday, 26th March 2022. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Augustus later succumbed to his injuries. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to loved ones of the deceased at this time. Constable Garwin Phillips is continuing to investigate the circumstances of this fatal crash and members of the public with any relevant information are once again asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011. Constable Phillips can also be reached via his e-mail gphillips2@bps.bm.

Second Road Fatality for 2022: 42-Year-Old Hannah Jimenez-Flood

Tuesday, March 29,2022

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 42-year-old Hannah Jimenez-Flood, Bermuda’s second road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to her family and friends. Ms. Jimenez-Flood (driver) was seriously injured in a single vehicle car crash on Beacon Hill Road, Sandys parish around 10:35pm Friday, 25th March 2022. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as she was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Ms. Jimenez-Flood later succumbed to her injuries. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to loved ones of the deceased at this time. Constable Denise Taylor is continuing to investigate the circumstances of this fatal crash and members of the public with any relevant information are once again asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011. Constable Taylor can also be reached via her e-mail dtaylor@bps.bm.

28th March Collision: Car Driver’s Injuries Said to be Non-Life Threatening

Tuesday, March 29,2022

The driver of a private electric car received treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for injuries said to be non-life threatening following a collision with a taxi that occurred around 10:35am Monday, 28th March 2022 on South Road in Smith’s parish, near the junction with Sayle Road. It should be noted that the 52-year- old man had to be extracted from the car by firefighters. The Smith’s parish resident apparently sustained injuries to his face, arms and legs. The taxi driver involved, said to be a 51-year-old Sandys parish man, was not hurt. Any witnesses to this collision that have not already come forward are now encouraged to call Constable Stephen Paynter on 717-0951 or e-mail spaynter@bps.bm.