The victim of a fatal shooting last night in Warwick, the island’s second firearm death of 2023 and the third murder of this year, was a father of three, Wilfred Outerbridge Jr, who was shot in his home, police revealed this afternoon.

Reports of gunfire came in shortly before 9pm in the area of Cobbs Hill and the Railway Trail.

Acting Detective Inspector Derricka Burns said police believed that Mr Outerbridge had been the intended target, but added that it did not appear gang-motivated at this stage.

She said that Mr Outerbridge’s children, aged 5, 11 and 16, were not present at the time of the attack and live elsewhere.

According to police, the residence lies along the Railway Trail west of the junction with Cobbs Hill Road.

The hedge-lined road runs through a neighbourhood of homes with some small businesses and plots of farmland, and several connecting lanes.

Mr Outerbridge, 35, was shot several times, and Ms Burns said police “immediately responded to the scene and began life-saving efforts until the arrival of EMTs”.

“Tragically, Mr Outerbridge succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.”

Two suspects on a light-coloured bike were seen in the area, and police asked anyone with security cameras in the area from Cobbs Hill Road and Ord Road to Spring Hill and the nearby Tribe Road No 1 to check their footage.

No information is available yet on the direction the suspects may have been travelling, or what potential activity in the area might have preceded the attack.

Ms Burns called it “yet another senseless murder in Bermuda” and said that any information could prove “crucial” in bringing the offenders to justice.

The investigation is being led by Detective Sergeant Odessa Philip, who can be contacted on 717-2193 or by e-mail at ophilip@bps.bm.

The scene has been forensically processed, with evidence recovered, and an autopsy on the victim is expected “later in the week by a forensic pathologist”, Ms Burns said.

She thanked neighbours who have been in contact with police.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said this afternoon that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life” last night.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the victim's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“I am appalled by the continuance of this absurd violence that has claimed the life of another Black male.”

The attack came during a comparative lull in serious gun violence in Bermuda.

Kyari Flood, 23, was discovered shot dead on February 13 in an overgrown area off Border Lane South and Friswells Road in Pembroke.

Sandys resident Marco Perinchief, 49, was found unresponsive on March 25 on Clyde Best Lane in Sandys, and his death became a murder investigation for which a trial is expected.

Lawrence Scott, the Progressive Labour Party MP for Warwick South East, said the attack marked the third shooting in the constituency over the past several years.

Offering his condolences, Mr Scott said: “We are no longer, and for some time have not been, in a situation where we can say it’s not my neighbourhood, not my household, not my family. We are all being impacted.

“If you know something, say something, even if it is to your MP, regardless of what side of the aisle your MP sits on.

“We can’t police our way out of this, or goodwill our way out of antisocial behaviour. Work with the police, and work with each other.”

According to police, non-injury firearms incidents this year are:

• November 8: Factory Lane, Pembroke

• October 18: in the area of Park Road and Trott Road, Pembroke

• September 23: Jomari Gooden arrested with firearm

• September 16: shots fired outside Bulldogs Bar on Court Street, Hamilton

Confirmed injury-only firearms incidents:

• September 13: man shot at Tribe Road No 5, Paget

• August 6: two persons shot at Caroline Bay marina dock, Southampton

Responding to the latest killing, Michael Dunkley, the Shadow Minister of National Security, said: “Another senseless shooting, another life taken unnecessarily. When does this end?

“We cannot keep our heads in the sand, hoping that incidences like these will just fade away.

“We have cold-hearted killers in our midst who are destroying families and the community without a moment’s hesitation. They must be brought to justice swiftly.”

Mr Dunkley called on the community to do its part and help police, and offered condolences on behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance.

Gina Spence, a grief counsellor and founder and chief executive of the charity Gina Spence Productions, also offered condolences.

Anyone with possible information can reach the serious crime unit on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline in Miami on 800-8477. Alternatively, the public can share information with a familiar police officer.