A double murder investigation is today underway in St. David's, after autopsies revealed that Maxwell Brangman and Frederick Gilbert died of multiple stab wounds.

Detectives said yesterday that they are linking the deaths of the homeless friends, who are believed to have died at the same time.

They believe there is more than one culprit, and that those responsible may have attended parties in St. George's bars or clubs where "disturbances occurred" prior to the murders.

The news about the fate of the well-known locals, who used to drink together, has been met with shock and anger.

Mr. Brangman's sister, Lana Flood, said: "The natives are getting restless. We have never had anything like this in St. David's. This is really bad for us as a community. There were days we never had the lock on our back doors in St. David's. Never ever. Not no more you can't do it."

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels of the Serious Crime Unit said:"The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm that the deaths of 57-year-old Maxwell Gordon Brangman and 53-year-old Frederick Livingstone Gilbert, both residents of St. David's, were not caused by fire or drowning."

Mr. Brangman's body was found inside a small concrete hut near the Black Horse Tavern at Burcher's Point, St. David's, around 5.30 a.m on Sunday. Firefighters had been called to extinguish a blaze at the premises, where the victim is thought to have been living."An autopsy examination has now been conducted by a forensic pathologist and his findings are that death resulted from a number of wounds to his head and body, before he was set fire to," revealed Det. Chief Insp. Daniels yesterday.

Mr. Gilbert's body was found floating in the water at nearby Great Bay at around 8.45 am on Monday.

"An autopsy examination has also now been conducted by a forensic pathologist and his findings are that death resulted from multiple wounds to his body, before he was immersed in water," said Det. Chief Insp. Daniels.

He declined to detail the nature of the wounds sustained by the victims, or how they were inflicted. However, The Royal Gazette understands from sources close to the case that they were stab wounds.

Det. Chief Insp. Daniels is heading the investigation, and is being assisted by Detective Inspector Jerome Laws, along with a team of 20 officers. Overseas forensic experts are also being consulted.

He refused to answer questions about whether the men may have witnessed something that led to their deaths – something which has prompted speculation in the local community.

However, he revealed:"We have an idea of who were are looking for – more than one person."

Asked if these people were previously known to the Police, he replied:"Definitely. These individuals are going around beating, robbing, wounding, but people are not really reporting."

Det. Chief Insp. Daniels went on to detail specific pieces of information he views as crucial to the ongoing investigation.

"Police wish to speak with any persons that were in attendance at two separate parties, at liquor licensed premises in the St. George's area on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday morning," he said.

He declined to name those venues, but told the media:"There were a number of parties in the St. George's area where we believe some disturbances occurred. We believe the culprits attended these parties on Saturday night / Sunday morning. I'm sure the people we're looking for will know full well what we mean."

In addition, he said:"Police are also interested in speaking with all persons who were in or around the Great Bay Road, St. David's, area on Saturday night / Sunday morning, and especially on the public dock near the post office.

"In addition we are interested in any sightings of motorcycles in the St. David's area between midnight and 5.30 a.m Sunday morning, stopping in the area of the above mentioned public dock or any other vehicles that you believe may assist Police with their investigations."

Finally, anyone who saw or spoke to the two victims in recent weeks should get in touch.

Superintendent Randy Liverpool added:"We want to reassure the public, and especially the residents of St. David's, that the Bermuda Police Service is going to be relentless in their efforts to solve these brutal crimes."

He expressed thanks for "lots of information" that has already been passed to the investigators.

No-one was in custody in connection with the deaths by press time last night.

* The Serious Crime Unit can be reached on 299-4315. Alternatively, the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline is available on 1 800-623-8477.