Five men have been arrested and released on police bail in connection with the murder of Deshaun Berkley.

Mr Berkley, 30, was shot dead last Thursday outside Western Stars Sports Club at 1.15am, in what police have said could have been a gang-related killing.

Yesterday, at a press conference, Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith confirmed that the murder took place after a party held at the club in memory of Garry “Fingas” Cann, who was shot dead in December of 2009.

Close to 100 family members and friends of Mr Cann were said to have been at the party and Mr Smith appealed for anyone who was there with information to come forward.

He also called on businesses with CCTV in the area of Serpentine Road, Pitts Bay Road, St John’s Road and Bakery Lane to make contact with police.

Mr Smith also made an appeal to anyone who may have information about a previous incident on October 8 on Court Street involving Mr Berkley and “other men” to come forward.

Asked whether he thought the murder was gang-related, he responded: “There is the smell that this is gang-related and that the persons who were involved in his murder are members of a gang.”

He said he had heard rumours that the shooter may have been someone within Mr Berkley’s own friend group, but did not confirm that was true.

“That is the kind of information that we are appealing from the community to make contact with us,” he said. “The investigative team would also like to thank members of the public who have come forward so far with information. So far five men have been arrested in connection with this investigation and all men have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.”

He branded Mr Berkley’s killer as “unscrupulous and cowardly” and revealed that Mr Berkley was a father of two.

“Deshaun leaves behind a two-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter,” he said.

“A forensic pathologist will be arriving shortly to conduct a post-mortem examination as the family of Deshaun are left grieving and wondering why he was shot and murdered.

“His two children will never have the benefit of seeing their daddy again or having him at their graduation ceremonies or seeing them grow and mature.”

Mr Smith went on to condemn the actions of those who distributed a photograph of Mr Berkley’s lifeless body on social media.

“The investigative team is also aware that there is a picture of Deshaun Berkley taken shortly after he was shot and sent around on social media.

“We condemn this behaviour as it is morally reprehensible, grossly offensive and highly insensitive to Deshaun’s family.”

He added: “We as a community have a responsibility to his family to see that justice is served.”

•Anyone with any information should contact Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864 or e-mail at jsmith2@bps.bm

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