Shakeya DeRoza died in a "violent confrontation", detectives stated yesterday.

Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels said she died from multiple injuries but refused to comment on the weapon or whether the incident was domestic-related.

A 36-year-old man, believed to be Miss DeRoza's boyfriend, is expected to appear in court "in the coming days", according to Police.

Chief Insp. Daniels would only disclose: "The victim and the suspect were known to each other."

Police are treating the incident as a murder and say the suspect may "possibly" face additional charges.

Miss DeRoza, a mother-of-two, collapsed and died in front of Rose's Flower Shop in Middle Road, Sandys, Friday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses say the 23-year-old ran from her apartment in Paynter Lane to the florist's and the Steel City clothing store, bare-chested and covered in blood. She tried to get help but collapsed in a pool of blood before she could reach anyone.

Later that afternoon, Police apprehended the suspect along the Railway Trail behind Somerset Bridge Post Office.

Officers spent an hour-and-a-half negotiating with him to give himself up and he was admitted to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital ICU after attempting to harm himself.

"There was some self-inflicted injury," Chief Insp. Daniels told the media yesterday.

Miss DeRoza, a Co-ed corrections officer, leaves a son and a daughter, both under two years old. Her mother Judy wrote on the tribute website www.shakeyaderoza.com set up to honour her daughter: "To our loving family and friends, we are still reeling from the devastating loss of our beloved Shakeya. It all seems so surreal."

A message from the family also thanked the community for its support: "We have to give you another great big thank you. Your expressions of unconditional love...your calls of concern...your hugs of support...your prayers that flooded heaven on our behalf...have all served to help us through this difficult, very unbelievable time.

"We'll absolutely need your support and your prayers in the days to come."

Tributes have poured into the website, with friends and colleagues describing Miss DeRoza as "a humble, happy and very positive person" and "a beautiful spirit".

Chief Insp. Daniels told a press conference yesterday: "Shortly before 3 p.m. on Friday, July 10, Police officers responded to reports of a woman lying motionless in the street on Middle Road, Sandys near the junction with Overplus Lane.

"First aid was provided but unfortunately Miss DeRoza lost her fight for life as a result of receiving extensive injuries in what Police believe was a violent confrontation.

"An autopsy examination has been performed on Miss DeRoza by a forensic pathologist from America and he confirms she died as a result of receiving a number of wounds on different places on her body.

"The Bermuda Police Service has also acquired the assistance of a blood splatter expert who, after examining the various crime scenes, was able to make a number of determinations from the walls of the residence."

He added: "We want to reassure the public we are investigating this murder very robustly and that's probably why it's taking longer than normal to get to court, but we want to make sure no stone is left unturned.

"We want to get things done properly, instead of racing to get justice."

A Police spokesman last night warned the public not to pass on any photographs of the crime scene something officers believe is now being done via e-mail.

"Out of respect for the family of the deceased, we are appealing to members of the public who may receive this e-mail not to pass it on and for those who may be distributing it to cease," he said.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who was at the Railway Trail between Overplus Lane and Somerset Bridge Post Office between 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. on Friday.

Witnesses should telephone 299-8115 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.