Murder victim had been paralysed by past shooting
The grieving family of murder victim Lorenzo Stovell has today spoken of their loss.The 24-year-old, left paralysed from a shooting in December, was only just showing signs of recovery from that earlier incident, they said.Uncle Danny Crockwell, whose own son Shaki Crockwell was gunned down in 2007, said the two cousins had been very close to each other.He said Mr Stovell, who was his neighbour on Middletown Lane, was in high spirits when he last saw him on Friday."Family can only take so much," Mr Crockwell said. "They already shot the guy and paralysed him and now what, they go and kill him?"Police had earlier named Mr Stovell as the young man shot dead in Somerset last night.Detective Chief Inspector Nick Pedro described the murder as “gang-related on the part of the suspect or suspects”.Said Governor George Fergusson: “I am shocked and very saddened by yet another pointless death of a young man as a result of violence. I send my deep condolences to his family. Some people must know who was involved. I ask that anyone with information which may be of use please contact the police or else ring Crimestoppers’ confidential line in Miami."National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief described Mr Stovell's death as "a senseless loss of life"."My first thoughts are for Mr Stovell's family and friends who are today coming to terms with such a sudden and tragic loss," he said.Mr Stovell was inside a party bus with the driver while a group of female friends stopped in at Woody's Bar across the road for a drink.Police received reports of several shots fired at 11.43pm.The bus, where Mr Stovell had been sitting for close to an hour, was approached by “a gunman or gunmen who fired several shots”, officer said.No-one else was injured, and the driver took the victim to Port Royal fire station, where he was declared dead shortly thereafter.No weapon has been recovered and there are no suspects in custody at present.An overseas forensic pathologist is flying to the Island and an autopsy is expected.Police said they have spoken to witnesses but are appealing for anyone with information to telephone 295-0011.It is the year's third death by shooting. Four others have been injured so far this year by gunfire, according to Superintendant James Howard of the Serious Crime Department."The Bermuda Police Service recognises that this incident will undoubtedly impact the local community," he said at a press conference held this morning."We want to reassure the community that the Bermuda Police Service will use all the resources at its disposal to bring the offender or offenders to justice."He continued: "It is important that everyone remains calm and allows the police to work to catch the gunmen involved. However this cannot be done alone, and we rely on the people of Bermuda to come forward to assist the police to make Bermuda safer."One Bermuda Alliance leader Craig Cannonier said "an event like this touches us all".He said in a released statement: "Parents have lost a child and Bermuda has lost a son."I do not believe that our young men wish to live this way. It is evident that we are dealing with misdirected energy and there are no winners here, this is all loss."My condolences go out to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you."