Two friends were shot dead under identical circumstances within about nine months, police say.

Both 20-year-old Jahcari Francis and Isaiah Furbert, 19, were fatally shot inside the same house on Upland Street, Jason Smith, detective sergeant with the Bermuda Police Service, confirmed yesterday.

Mr Francis was shot and killed at the Devonshire residence last Wednesday night; Mr Furbert was killed on October 18, 2016. The two men were “very close friends”, Mr Smith told a press conference.

“The circumstances [of Mr Furbert’s murder] and the MO of the murder of Jahcari Francis are identical.”

Three other people were inside the residence at the time of the shooting on Wednesday night, Mr Smith said. Shots were fired into the residence from the exterior, striking the victim.

The death of Mr Francis is the 34th gun murder in Bermuda since May 22, 2009, and the second gun murder of 2017. Jahni Outerbridge, 31, was fatally shot in the Mid-Atlantic Boat and Sports Club parking lot shortly before 11.30pm on January 29.

Mr Smith said that the investigation so far “would suggest” that Mr Francis was killed amid a long-running feud between the 42 and Parkside gangs. Mr Francis was associated with the 42 gang, he said.

Mr Smith said: “This was a senseless killing that could have resulted in more casualties. We can only imagine the anguish and pain the occupants of that residence must be going through.”

Shortly after Mr Furbert’s death, police noted he had not been alone in the residence at the time of the shooting.

Mr Smith said that the investigation into Mr Furbert’s death remained “very much open”.

Several persons, Mr Smith said, were arrested following Mr Furbert’s murder in the fall.

“Those persons have been put on bail,” he said.

According to Mr Smith, one man has been arrested in connection with the investigation into Mr Francis’s murder.

“This man has been bailed pending further inquiries,” he echoed.

Several witnesses have come forward after the shooting.

“We are getting some support from the community,” Sergeant Smith said.

“We are also looking to hear from area residents and businesses in the area that have CCTV.”

Investigators are trying to trace Mr Francis’s movements before Wednesday night, Mr Smith said.

Asked if more violence was expected, Mr Smith said: “We hope not — but there is the feeling that there may be.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 247-1218 or 717-0864, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 800-8477.

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