The mother of a man murdered in a “senseless” stabbing yesterday backed a call from Crime Stoppers Bermuda for knife crime whistleblowers to come forward.

Belinda Ann Darrell said: “Whoever knows something, please come forward and speak up so that I can have peace of mind, and my son can rest in peace.

“I just need closure — and my son needs justice.”

Ms Darrell spoke out after a spike in knife attacks, which led Crime Stoppers to launch its “Blow the Whistle on Crime” awareness campaign.

Her son Johnathan Darrell, 27, a construction worker, died after he was stabbed in the chest when a fight broke out outside Ice Queen restaurant in Paget in August 2015.

No one has been charged with the killing.

Ms Darrell said that “a life was wasted and cut short for no reason at all”.

“It has been two years since my son has been gone and there hasn’t been any justice at all.

“I know what other parents are going through. There is a need, and I would like for anyone to speak up.

“My heart aches every time I hear that another family has lost a loved one. It’s senseless black-on-black crime.”

And she appealed to anyone who may have information on her son’s death to come forward.

Ms Darrell said: “Don’t let the time go by without saying something.”

Alex MacDonald, chairman of Crime Stoppers Bermuda, said an increase in the use of knives had become “very apparent”.

He added: “Our awareness campaign will highlight the need for the general public to get involved and be aware of this trend among certain groups within our community.

“It is our aim, when such crimes occur, to have the community report any information on the culprits or the crime.”

And he told the public: “Without your help, the task of the Bermuda Police Service is much harder, but Crime Stoppers Bermuda provides an anonymous method for helping the victim or their families.”

The awareness drive starts on Sunday with the Argus and Crime Stoppers 5k Fun Run and Walk Road Race.

Organisers of the road race, to start outside the Argus Building on Hamilton’s Wesley Street, will give participants a reflective lanyard and a whistle, symbolising the need to blow the whistle on crime.

John Doherty, executive vice-president of property and casualty at Argus, said: “We are pleased to continue our support for Crime Stoppers Bermuda and the vital service it provides the community while also providing a fun and healthy activity for the whole family.

“As insurers, prevention and awareness is key and so we are proud to partner with Crime Stoppers Bermuda to encourage the public to exercise constant vigilance and self-awareness. Together, we can help reduce crime in Bermuda.”

Runners will be eligible for rewards including travel vouchers, stays at the Fairmont Southampton, Reefs and Grotto Bay resorts and gift certificates for MEF restaurants.

Organisers will also reward the school with the biggest turnout with a $500 cheque.

Registration for the event costs $35 for youths and adults, $15 for juniors and $27 for members of Swan’s Running Club.

Registration can be completed online at https://www.racedayworld.com/Race/BM/Hamilton/CrimeStoppers5KRunandWalk any time before Friday.

Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 800-8477 or www.crimestoppers.bm.