The Bermuda Police Service highlighted the importance of independent juries after not-guilty verdicts were returned in two Supreme Court trials.

Darrin Simons, the commissioner, also confirmed that investigations will be reviewed to identify any lessons that can be learnt, in line with established practice.

His comments came after the conclusion of two murder cases, when jurors found all of the accused — totalling five men — not guilty.

Mr Simons reminded the public of the steps that follow police inquiries.

“Upon the completion of each investigation, the Bermuda Police Service submits a case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said.

“That office determines the appropriate charges to be brought before the courts.

“Once a case is before the courts, it is the role of judges and juries — who operate independently and without outside influence — to carefully consider the evidence and reach a verdict.

“That is fundamental to our justice system.”

Mr Simons added: “Consistent with established practice, we will review each investigation to identify any lessons that can further strengthen our work.

“The Bermuda Police Service remain fully committed to protecting our community, supporting victims, and are determined to uphold justice with integrity and determination.”

Jurors deliberated for several hours last month when they found a man not guilty of murder and manslaughter by unanimous verdict.

He had been accused of fatally stabbing Daunte Woods in an altercation outside Somerset Cricket Club in Sandys in the early hours of October 25, 2020.

The defendant accepted during the trial that he had a two-inch pocket knife on the morning of the incident, but denied that he had stabbed anyone.

Jurors also found him not guilty of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

In May, four men were found not guilty of the murder of Letrae Doeman, who was shot dead in Flatts at about 1.10am on July 1, 2022.

All four denied charges that they murdered the 19-year-old and used a firearm to commit an indictable offence.

After a six-week trial, a jury returned a majority verdict of not guilty on all counts.

The Supreme Court heard that Mr Doeman was the pillion passenger on a motorcycle that was fired upon by two men on a black Honda motorcycle.

Mr Doeman suffered ten gunshot wounds and was subsequently pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at 1.55am.

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