Well-known gang affiliate Raymond Troy (Yankee) Rawlins was murdered early yesterday morning after he was sprayed with bullets in the entrance of Spinning Wheel nightclub.

Family members told The Royal Gazette he was shot nine times by two individuals who ran into the Court Street club as Mr. Rawlins entered at approximately 12.30 a.m.

His sister, Yolanda T. Dowling, said although her brother was "no angel" he did not deserve to be murdered and his eight children were now without a father. She added that her family had no interest in revenge shootings taking place in the wake of his death.

Within minutes of being shot Mr. Rawlins was rushed into a private car and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead at 1.08 a.m.

Police have since arrested a 31-year-old Pembroke man on Glebe Road and are examining a car for forensic evidence.

They believe the murder was gang-related and are investigating if it is connected to the shooting of Prince Barrington Edness on Friday, who is believed to be a top member of the Parkside gang.

Six years ago Mr. Rawlins told The Royal Gazette he was a member of Frontline Crew. This paper understands he has recently been affiliated with the Parkside gang, who have been involved in a rivalry with 42nd Street.

The rivalry is believed to be the cause of many shootings over the last two years. Since May 2009 42 people have been shot, 11 of whom have died.

Hours after Mr. Rawlins' death, friends and family gathered across from C&R Discount Store on Court Street, Hamilton. The store is owned by his father, Raymond Burgess. A sheet bearing his name was filled with signatures; many persons present could be seen crying.

Ms Dowling said although her brother had several brushes with the law he was not into guns.

"He was not perfect, and I am not going to stand here and say he was, the way other families do," she said. "But he didn't believe in guns and shooting people, he had respect for life and people.

"He was my brother and I love him, he was a person and he did not deserve to die like this. He wasn't packing a gun; he had no way to defend himself.

"He was 'old school', when there was respect. Yes, he was in the 'game' but he did not believe in guns.

"These young kids are trying to make a name for themselves with these shootings. They have no respect for human lives."

Ms Dowling, who lived in the US for two decades before moving back to Bermuda last October, said: "There is no talk of revenge or retaliation from his family, no matter what you hear, that is not what we want.

"I have served in the US Navy when fighting was for a cause, but this sh*t that is going on here in Bermuda is not called for.

"I get a call at some hour this morning telling me my brother is dead, not shot and dying, but dead. This is just not called for.

"We do not want vengeance but we want justice. I do not hate these men that shot him but I pity them, and their families."