A recent Supreme Court sentencing marked a “significant achievement” in the pursuit of justice in Bermuda, the Commissioner of Police said yesterday.

Darrin Simons spoke after Dahny Simons-Outerbridge was sentenced to a total of 17 years behind bars on Wednesday.

Simons-Outerbridge, 19, pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing 20-year-old Zijae Jones at Horseshoe Bay Beach on May 23, 2024, as well as having a firearm and ammunition in November of that year.

Mr Simons thanked Acting Detective-Inspector Anneka Donawa, the senior investigating officer in both matters.

He explained: “She and the officers from the various departments who assisted with this investigation are to be commended for their efforts in realising this result — thank you all, well done.”

The Commissioner commended Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and her team, saying their “meticulous preparation and advocacy were instrumental in achieving this successful result”.

He added: “Their continued collaboration with the Bermuda Police Service exemplifies the strength of our partnership in upholding the rule of law and protecting the community.”

Simons-Outerbridge was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the manslaughter of Mr Jones, which prosecutors lessened from murder on the basis of provocation, and an additional 12 years for having the gun and ammunition.

Ms Donawa said the sentencing “highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance and commitment to justice”.

“I am proud of the collective effort that has led to this outcome and I encourage all officers to take pride in the role they played in bringing closure to the victim’s family and ensuring accountability for these serious offences.”

The court heard that Simons-Outerbridge stabbed Mr Jones several times during an altercation on Bermuda Day 2024.

Mr Jones was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.

Simons-Outerbridge was dressed in black clothing, covered in sand and bleeding profusely from his finger when police arrested him.

In a separate case, police found a gun with five rounds of ammunition inside a freezer at Simons-Outerbridge’s Warwick home months after Mr Jones’s death.

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