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College-bound student murdered

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RIP: Friends of Kellon Hill posted tribute posters on a Facebook tribute site for the slain teen yesterday

An 18-year-old man was murdered after trouble kicked off at a late-night party at Elbow Beach on Saturday.

Six male teenagers were last night in custody following the stabbing of Kellon Hill, at the beach's entrance in Tribe Road #4B, shortly before 11.30 p.m.

A group of young men set upon Mr. Hill and attempted to steal his gold chain, according to sources. One told The Royal Gazette it is thought he defended himself and was killed in the resulting struggle.

He was pronounced dead at King Edward VIIMemorial Hospital at 12.40 a.m. yesterday.

Detectives say about 75 people were present at the time of the incident, but so far they have only spoken to three or four.

It is understood Mr. Hill, of Southampton, was attacked by a gang of young men who gatecrashed the party, which was hosted by a teenage girl about to leave for boarding school.

The victim is thought to have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time when they pounced on him.

About half an hour after the incident, some of the offenders are thought to have headed to the nearby Ice Queen restaurant, where they caught a taxi to the White Hill area in Sandys.

The perpetrators are thought to be gang members, although Mr. Hill is said to have had no gang affiliations and yesterday Police said there was no evidence to say the incident was a 'town versus country' fight.

Mr. Hill is Bermuda's fourth young murder victim since Boxing Day last year, following the shooting of Aquil Richardson, stabbing of Matthew Clarke and slaying of schoolgirl Rhiana Moore. Detectives leading the investigation yesterday called for an end to the violence plaguing the Island.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Randy Liverpool of the Serious and Organised Crime Division, told a press conference:"This is the third murder so far in Bermuda this year. That is three too many.

"I want to appeal to the community, especially youths of Bermuda, to stop the cycle of violence. Stop the madness.

"I would like to appeal to the youths to ensure not to leave home with weapons because when you see weapons any challengers at all are likely to use those weapons."I would like to ask parents of the youths to try to monitor your children and ensure they do not leave homes with weapons."

Acting Superintendent Andrew Boyce, who joined Mr. Liverpool in front of the media, said there was no suggestion that Mr. Hill had been carrying a weapon. Police gave no details about the weapon he was killed with, which has not been recovered.

Yesterday afternoon, a Tribe Road was taped off with two Police officers guarding the scene.

A forensic pathologist is due to arrive tomorrow to conduct a post mortem. More than 40 officers are in the investigation team.

In a statement, PublicSafety Minister David Burch said:"Last night's tragic incident unnecessarily cut short the life of another one of Bermuda's young males and leaves us all considering what more can be done to remedy this terrible cycle of violence.

"First and foremost, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the Premier and those of us in Government.

"I'd also ask for the entire Island to keep the families who have been affected by this horrific incident in their prayers in the coming days.

"The Police Commissioner assures me that the Bermuda Police Service is devoting the necessary time and resources to this incident to ensure that the individual or individuals responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.

"However, now is the time for all responsible adults in this Country to step up to the plate and do their part in raising our young.

"The Government alone cannot succeed in bringing an end to such senseless killings.

"It will take the full involvement and full participation of parents, extended family and all members of our community who value and respect life."

Speaking to this newspaper just after he heard news of the murder, David Bascome, head of the Hope for Life anti-gang initiative said:"It's really stunned me, but I'm not surprised because of the amount of violence in Bermuda.

"Mr. Bascome urged the public to back Hope for Life, which aims to steer young men away from a life of violence through education, counselling and sporting activities.

"Whatever it takes, we've got to come together and make this work," he said. "This has to stop."

Police media relations manager Dwayne Caines, whose job has seen him report news of numerous acts of violence over the years, added his voice to the calls.

"Stop the madness. Stop the madness. This senseless violence has to come to an end. "There must be collective responsibility from parents and community members to ensure our kids are making better choices," he urged.

Witnesses, particularly the taxi driver who took a group of men from Ice Queen to White Hill at around midnight, should contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-4315 or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.

An unmarked Police car guards the entrance to the public side of Elbow Beach, where Kellon Hill was stabbed to death on Saturday night.