Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Unit - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 47 year old Raymond Troy Rawlins, a well known figure in the Court Street area. An initial account of the incident is that two men pulled up outside The Spinning Wheel nightclub in a light green car and ran across Court Street into Spinning Wheel, right behind Mr. Rawlins who had just entered the club. They opened fire on the victim and made attempts to conceal their identity before fleeing the scene by car.

A forensic autopsy is planned for Mr. Rawlins who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed by the Bermuda Police Service to support and inform the family of the progress of the investigation. CCTV and other forensic evidence are being examined by detectives.

Police have recovered the car believed to have been used by the suspects. The vehicle has been impounded and forensically processed. Police have also arrested a 31 year old man in connection with the murder of Mr. Rawlins. He is currently in custody assisting with inquiries

Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield

So far this year (2010) there has been a total of seven murders, all of which have involved firearms and all of which are arguably related to gang activity. There have also been 16 injury shootings and again, they are all in some way connected to gangs.

Gun crime in whatever form disables communities and at present communities in Bermuda are feeling vulnerable and scared. We have a small minority of unprincipled individuals who believe that the only way of resolving a dispute is with the use of firearms.

It is the responsibility of the Police Service and our partners in the legislature, to catch and convict those responsible and ensure that they are sent to prison for the majority, if not all of their lives. Currently two men are awaiting trial for separate murders and five men are awaiting trial for attempted murders.

I would once again like to appeal to people to come forward and help us not just with this murder but also help us catch and convict these gunmen, by supplying information. I would also once again appeal for calm; resolving disputes with violence can never be the right path. Disputes can be resolved with mediation; we can facilitate that by providing support.

Yet again we have a family who has lost a loved one; children who have lost their father. However, witnesses are coming forward and people are providing us with information. There is a real desire to help and we can never have enough information.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.