Man arrested after fatal shooting at Christmas

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A man has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old St George’s man on a secluded golf course in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Malcolm Augustus was found suffering from gunshot wounds on St George’s Golf Course shortly after midnight on December 25. He was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He is the fifth gun fatality of the year.

A 24-year-old St George’s man has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Premier Craig Cannonier said the shooting was a reminder that the Island is “in the grip of a national tragedy”, while Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley assured that Government would be supporting the implementation of the Ceasefire model aimed at preventing further shootings.

Emergency services were alerted to reports of gunshots on Anchorage Lane, St George’s at 12.05am on Christmas Day.

A full investigation, led by Detective Inspector Dave Greenidge, is now underway. Police have described a black motorcycle seen in the area, which they are keen to learn more about.

“We are particularly interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen or heard a disturbance in the Wellington Back Road area of St George’s around 10.30 to 10.45pm Christmas Eve,” a police spokesman said.

“Officers are also interested in anyone that may have seen a black motorcycle bearing the registration number BU411 in or around this area of St George’s.

“Whilst the police will actively seek out witnesses and collect all available evidence, we encourage anyone with pertinent information to come forward. Again, this information can and will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit and the Forensic Support Unit have examined the scene to collect evidence, and witnesses have been sought, and interviewed, according to the police spokesman.

“There are a number of lines of enquiry being carried out by the investigating team. Officers are looking at evidence provided by witnesses at the scene, and other lines of enquiry. The response by the police service was, and will continue to be, proactive to identify and bring the offenders to justice.”

The investigating team would like to speak with any person that may have seen or heard anything related to this incident — however irrelevant it may seem.

The spokesman added that a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to aid the victim’s family, and expressed his condolences on behalf of the service.

Premier Craig Cannonier also expressed his condolences.

“The circumstances surrounding his tragic and untimely passing have shocked and saddened all of Bermuda,” Mr Cannonier said.

“I urge all Bermuda to remember this family in our prayers and do all we can to bring this community together.

“The Government regards such acts with extreme concern and will move with urgency to follow through on its commitment to put in place programmes to stop the shootings.

“We simply cannot continue to have young men getting shot to death. The shootings destroy families, weaken communities and violate the very spirit and promise of Bermuda. The Christmas Day shooting reminds us we are in the grip of a national tragedy that will require a profound community effort to end.”

Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley meanwhile promised that the Government will lead the way in supporting targeted enforcement by police and the implementation of the Ceasefire model to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

“This senseless killing underscores the need for all sectors of the community to unite in this fight against violence and antisocial behaviour,” he said. “Like the Premier, I ask everyone to remember this grieving family in their thoughts and prayers. They will need our support.”

A spokesman for the PLP also expressed their condolences, saying: “It is our fervent hope that those involved in this crime are brought to justice. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Augustus during this difficult time."

l If you can offer assistance or information, the Serious Crime Unit can be contacted on 247-1185 or on the confidential and independent CRIMESTOPPERS hotline is available at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).

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