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Investigation of Legends attack narrows to one suspect at large

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Smith (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

An appeal has been renewed to members of the public who may be able to identify and help police locate people they believe to be involved in a double murder this month.

Acting Superintendent Jason Smith addressed the media after one man was charged in court in connection with the incident at Legends Bar in Somerset.

Jasmin Smith, 32, and Shaquan Williams, 29, were killed when shots were fired at patrons at about 10.30pm on May 1.

Three others were injured in the incident, while one of the suspects was also believed to have sustained a wound, possibly from a bullet.

The three people injured in the bar were taken to hospital for treatment, police said. They have all since been released.

Police have stated that none of the victims from Legends appeared to have any links to any form of gang activity.

Mr Smith said today that the court appearance of one man was as a result of support from members of the public as well as the work of Bermuda Police Service officers involved in the investigation.

He added: “We appreciate the support that the public has given and that support has brought us to where we are today.

“Over the last couple of days, I personally have met with both of the victims’ families and I can tell you that the grief and pain they have had to go through — it is unbearable.”

He said that “any time there is a loss of life, it touches the heart and core of people”.

“I would think in this case the public wants to bring closure to these families.”

Police earlier released video footage of four people wearing bike helmets who were deemed to be “of interest” to the investigation.

The BPS said they would put the footage out into the community again for residents to review in an effort to spot any recognisable detail.

Mr Smith urged members of the public today to contact the police service or Crime Stoppers if they had information that could identify anyone captured in the recordings.

He said that, in total, four people aged 23 to 27 have been arrested in connection with police inquiries.

One person, Mr Smith added, remained “outstanding”.

Mr Smith explained of the arrests: “What we often find in investigations is that there are some people who may be trigger person, who may have pulled the trigger, and there may be other persons who have assisted in other ways.”

He said police investigations had to be “wide in our scopes — and so we look at all things”.

“Even though four persons we can see from footage might have went into Legends Bar, there are other times that people play supporting roles. And so it is in that vein that we have made four arrests and there is one still outstanding.”

Mr Smith added: “The BPS is unwavering in our efforts to locate and bring that man to justice.

“We have mentioned earlier that we believe that man was injured, and so if there are any persons in this community that have been rendering first aid to this young man, potentially you could be charged.

“To the family of the young man who is outstanding, we encourage you to come forward to assist the police.”

He said that, over the weekend “as a result of a file review, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges in relation to one of the four men”.

Mr Smith reminded residents that Crime Stoppers offered $5,000 rewards for information leading to each individual conviction of people involved in the incident.

It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case