Residents have expressed their horror after a murder investigation was launched into the death of Dejion Stange-Simmons, a sergeant in the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

The 26-year-old was found in an “unresponsive state under suspicious circumstances” on Thursday at a property on Sentinel Hill, in Southampton.

He was later pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor and police yesterday said a man had been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

“It’s horrendous, just horrendous,” said one area resident who asked not to be named.

“This is not the norm at all. It’s a very close-knit neighbourhood — we look out for one another.

“Our neighbourhood watch failed last night. It’s something we don’t want to see ever again.”

While she did not know Mr Stange-Simmons well, she described him as an “upstanding citizen” and “very quiet looking guy”.

The woman told The Royal Gazette that the neighbourhood is normally “extremely peaceful and quiet”.

She added: “It’s rather shocking that as I’m going through my night routine that someone is being murdered. I was shaking last night.”

The woman said she heard sirens and saw flashing lights at about 10.20pm, but did not hear anything beforehand.

A vacationing couple, who are staying in the area after arriving on the Island on Thursday evening, said they heard a lot of voices shortly after 8pm.

“Originally, they all seemed to be having a good laugh,” said the woman, who also asked not to be named.

Not being familiar with the area, she said she assumed their neighbours were having a party and went to bed.

But she was woken in the early hours of the morning by shouting and sobbing, as well as the sound of sirens.

The store manager at Henry’s Pantry in Southampton, who asked to remain anonymous, said the incident was “definitely shocking”.

He added: “It’s unbelievable these types of things are still going on like this.”

He said a lot of customers had been expressing shock over the incident, especially those who knew Mr Stange-Simmons. The manager described him as a “straight-up guy who didn’t get into any trouble”.

Local MP Leah Scott described Mr Stange-Simmons’s death as “incomprehensible and senseless”.

She added: “I am saddened to learn about the killing of Dejion Stange-Simmons.

“This continued violence against our males is very disconcerting and is brought even more to the fore, for me, because the anniversary of the death of my godson, Prince Edness, is on December 8.

“Parents are not supposed to bury their children.”

Michael Dunkley expressed his “shock and sadness” yesterday at the death of Mr Stange-Simmons.

“I had the privilege of meeting this young man in August last year before he and others went to Kenya on regiment training,” said the Premier, who also serves as the Minister of National Security.

“He was engaging and clearly excited at the opportunities his regiment service was providing.

“As the minister responsible for the regiment, this loss is especially hard for the men and women with whom Sergeant Stange served and I wish for all ranks to know that the Ministry of National Security joins with them in fondly remembering this young man.

“To his family, words can hardly numb the pain of this terrible loss, but I hope that they can take comfort in how highly Dejion was regarded and that they are not alone in dealing with his passing.”

Mr Dunkley added that on behalf of the Bermuda Government and the people of Bermuda “our hearts are united in grief at his loss and we extend sincere condolences to his family and friends”.

Walter Roban, the Shadow Minister of National Security, issued the following statement today on behalf of the Progressive Labour Party. “We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Dejion Stange-Simmons,” he said. “Sergeant Stange-Simmons was a well-known young man, who committed to service for his country, and this event is incredibly unfortunate. His family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period.”

The Bermuda Police Service also extended condolences to Mr Stange-Simmons’s family and friends.

According to a spokesman, Mr Strange-Simmons was found in an “unresponsive state under suspicious circumstances” by officers executing a search warrant at about 9.30pm.

Initial reports indicated he could have suffered stab wounds. However, a police spokesman was unable to confirm details of the injuries or whether Mr Stange-Simmons lived in the property in which he was found on Thursday evening.

“A family liaison officer has been assigned to assist the deceased’s family at this difficult time,” the spokesman added.

In the aftermath of the incident, several police cars remained parked in the area of St Anne’s Road and Sentinel Hill.

Yesterday morning, two police cars and four officers were stationed outside of the residence, which had been cordoned off.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances that led to Mr Stange-Simmons’ death and anyone with information is urged contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739.

Alternatively, call the anonymous and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

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