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Police arrest two men over murder of Stefan Burgess

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Murder victim Stefan Burgess

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old man who was gunned down on The Glebe Road last night.At a press conference this afternoon, Assistant Commissioner David Mirfield said a 25-year-old man was arrested this morning in connection with the murder. A 39-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.Police also identified the victim as Stefan Burgess.Mr Mirfield stopped short of saying it was a gang-related killing but said the house where the murder took place had been targetted.The attack occurred close to 9pm, at an address near the Yardie Kitchen. Neighbours guessed between two and six shots were fired.“I thought it was somebody closing their blinds,” a resident said. “I was ironing my kid's school clothes and I heard a couple of cracks go off.”Last night Mirfield confirmed that police were summoned to the area following reports of gunfire at 9pm. Two men had been taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.“Both were suffering from gunshot wounds,” Mr Mirfield said. “I am sorry to say that one of them has succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital. Our condolences go out to the family. This is an extremely sad way to start 2012.”The other victim's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Mr Mirfield added.Police cordoned off the scene directly upon their arrival, and officers attended the hospital. The murder scene was expected to remain closed throughout the night, with several forensics officers outside the roadside address.Mr Mirfield could not confirm reports by residents that the attack had been carried out by two men on a motorcycle who approached the residence.Police were unable to provide further details of the victims, or say if the incident is believed to be gang-related.Today National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief issued a statement describing the shooting as "senseless and tragic”.Mr Perinchief, Governor Sir Richard Gozney and the Commissioner of Police are scheduled to meet this afternoon.“The senior command of the Bermuda Police Service will brief us on this latest incident and the status of the investigation” the Minister continued.“Another family is mourning today and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they come to grips with this tragic, sudden loss. I am confident that the Police will investigate this matter thoroughly and work around the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice.“The people of Bermuda have demonstrated their support for strong action by the Police and for my part, I shall continue to make clear the Government's support for enforcement action that disrupts the rhythm of gang activity and makes the gang lifestyle an untenable choice for young people in this community.”One Bermuda Alliance leader, Craig Cannonier also issued a statement which said: "Our deep sympathy, our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and friends of the two men who were shot, especially those of the young man who died."I am constantly amazed that it is young Bermudian men from Bermudian families who are involved, because this ugly, more or less random violence is not a part of the Bermudian culture I grew up in."We must, as a community, commit ourselves to making sure that we rid Bermuda of this curse. That means, at the very least, helping the Police as much as we possibly can to bring those involved to justice. Unless we do that with courage and with determination, we will doom ourselves to this kind of suffering for good."It is the first shooting since a December 21 attack on a Southampton home left a 38-year-old man injured.It has been more than eight months since the Island's last fatal shooting, when 22-year-old Jason Smith was murdered on May 1, near Overview Road, Pembroke.Police have appealed for witnesses to last night's incident, or anyone with information, to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 295-0011, or Crime Stoppers Bermuda at 800-8477.

Murder probe: Police officers at the scene of a double shooting on Glebe Road, Pembroke last night where a 24-year-old man was murdered and a second man was injured.
Area MP expresses shock over shooting

Walter Roban, the MP for the area, said today: "I wish to express my sadness that the residents of The Glebe Road, Pembroke East area were once again faced with an act of senseless violence on their doorsteps on the night of January 8, 2012.

"It is also a tragedy that another young Bermudian male is the victim and another family has lost a loved one. It is of the utmost priority that the perpetrators be apprehended and face the full extent of the law and justice system.

"The island of Bermuda, all her residents and the government have clearly expressed zero tolerance for this behaviour and we support all the efforts of the Police Service and others to stem violent crime in our community.

"I encourage anyone who may have information that will assist in solving this crime to cooperate with the authorities.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the victim."