Father of three George Peter Lynch would have been 46 today — but his life was taken five years ago in a case of mistaken identity over gang-related reprisals.

Mr Lynch’s family, represented by his mother-in-law Rita Woolridge, has taken the occasion to give thanks to the authorities who brought his killers to justice.

A year ago, Rickai Dickinson and Wolda Gardner were found guilty in the Supreme Court of the premeditated murder of Mr Lynch on May 5, 2010.

“My husband and I just try our best with his children,” Ms Woolridge said.

“It’s not an easy road. Mentally, we struggle with how to deal with his children, especially Etana, who always wants me to take her schoolwork to her daddy so that he can see it. She wants to see him. We will continue to do the best that we can for his children.”

Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves, who oversaw the case, is to step down later this year. Ms Woolridge offered thanks on behalf of the Holdipp-Lynch and Warren families.

“The family of the late George Peter Lynch would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that contributed to ensuring that justice was served.

“We would like to give thanks to the Bermuda Police Service, who worked non-stop; to Justice Greaves, and to the jury, who made the final decision; the Director of Public Prosecution’s Carrington Mahoney and Nicole Smith for their consistent hard work on this case, and last but not least, to the media who provided accurate information as presented in the trials.

“To the many families that have lost loved ones to gun violence, never lose hope.

“We hope that anyone who knows something says something in the hopes of bringing these individuals to justice. Though it will not bring your loved ones back, it will be one step on the path to closure. Thanks again for all of the support we’ve had.”