close, a family friend of murdered Canadian teenager Rebecca Middleton has urged people to stop and think.

Rick Meens, who had his daughter Jasmine and Rebecca staying with him on holiday in July 1996, said everybody who played a role in the investigation and prosecution of the case should take time to reflect.

During the month-long inquiry, which originated from the botched handling of Rebecca's murder case, many fingers have been pointed in many directions.

But Mr. Meens said nobody has had the courage to stand up and admit maybe they did something wrong, or perhaps did not perform to the best of their ability.

"From day one, people have rejected the blame and that has been very painful for the family,'' said Mr. Meens.

"... two people were responsible for her death and I think we all know who they were.

"Neither of them were convicted, yet still nobody has been prepared to explain why.'' Rebecca was raped, tortured and stabbed to death in Ferry Reach on July 3, 1996.

She and Jasmine had been to St. George's Harbour Nights and then to a party when they opted to accept rides home from boys on bikes, after three taxis failed to arrive.

It was the early hours of the morning and both had been drinking, but, for any two girls on vacation, it was nothing out of the ordinary, especially when Bermuda is considered so safe.

But Mr. Meens said no matter how much the girls had drank, neither of them deserved what they got.