Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro - May I first start by offering my sincere condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Perkins, whose body was found on Parsons Lane, Devonshire at about 9:00am on Saturday 6th August, 2011.

The death of Mr. Perkins and the location of where he was found has been the subject of intense debate, innuendo, and speculation in some segments of the community. The Bermuda Police Service is only too aware that the history of this particular location holds a lot of mystery for some people, and the fact that three people have lost lives & been found at the same spot will undoubtedly fuel some conspiracy theories.

From the very outset, the Bermuda Police Service treated this death as a potential crime. The scene itself was meticulously examined by Crime Scene Investigators & Detectives, and a Forensic Pathologist from Toronto, Canada was flown in to conduct the autopsy on Mr. Perkins. Detectives also interviewed multiple friends, acquaintances, and people who saw Mr. Perkins during the course of Friday 5th August into Saturday morning. I can say that assistance from members of the public was excellent as officers attempted to piece together his movements. Additionally, the scene was preserved by officers since the discovery of Mr. Perkins through to today in order to ensure that the best evidence was obtained. Police officers have maintained a physical presence at this location throughout.

This morning I personally met with the family of Mr. Perkins with the forensic pathologist, and they were provided with the initial findings of the autopsy in person. Whilst this is not normal practice for the Bermuda Police Service, we felt it important for them to hear first-hand how their loved one died.

In all the circumstances, it is the findings of the Forensic Pathologist that Mr. Perkins injuries are consistent with a road traffic collision, and not circumstances that led him to find that this was a murder.

Whilst I cannot comment further at this time because investigations are ongoing, the Bermuda Police Service is satisfied that Mr. Perkins did not die as a result of a beating or other form of assault.

I wish to be clear that the investigation continues, and this may or may not point to the involvement of another vehicle being involved in a collision with Mr. Perkins.