Arrest Made In Yankee Rawlins Murder
[Updated] An arrest has been made in relation to the shooting death at Spinning Wheel Nightclub on Court Street of 47-year-old Troy “Yankee” Rawlins, who was pronounced dead at 1am today [Aug 9] after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield [below right] and Chief Inspector Nick Pedro [below left] confirmed the arrest of a 31 year old man.
Confirming most of our eyewitness story, the Police state that Mr Rawlins and a friend were entering Spinning Wheel, when a car pulled up, the shooters jumped out, and shot Mr Rawlins in the entrance of the club. The gunmen ran back to the car, then made their escape driving north along Court Street taking a right on Angle Street, where sight of the car was lost. The Police confirmed they believe that there were two shooters.
The Police believe they have the car used in the shooting, having located it on Glebe Road in Pembroke. They would not confirm what type of car it was, saying the investigation is still early.
Referring to Mr Rawlins as a “well known figure in the Court Street area”, the Police would not confirm exactly how many bullets hit Mr Rawlins although they confirmed he was struck by multiple bullets, and said a forensic autopsy will be conducted on Wednesday. Both Police officers expressed their condolences to Mr Rawlin’s family and appealed for people to come forward with any information they may have.
They were unable to confirm if the shooting which took place about 25 minutes earlier at the Mid Ocean Boat Club in Devonshire was related, however did confirm that there has not been any arrests made in connection with the case as of yet. The Police would not disclose further details on the Devonshire shooting, except to confirm that the victim was shot while he was in the car park.
Anyone with any information is urged to call the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115, or the independent 24 hour confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477, or send an anonymous tip via the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website crimestoppers.bm.
Update 4:05pm: Full statements from the Police below:
Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Unit:
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 47 year old Raymond Troy Rawlins, a well known figure in the Court Street area. An initial account of the incident is that two men pulled up outside The Spinning Wheel nightclub in a light green car and ran across Court Street into Spinning Wheel, right behind Mr. Rawlins who had just entered the club. They opened fire on the victim and made attempts to conceal their identity before fleeing the scene by car.
A forensic autopsy is planned for Mr. Rawlins who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed by the Bermuda Police Service to support and inform the family of the progress of the investigation. CCTV and other forensic evidence are being examined by detectives.
Police have recovered the car believed to have been used by the suspects. The vehicle has been impounded and forensically processed. Police have also arrested a 31 year old man in connection with the murder of Mr. Rawlins. He is currently in custody assisting with inquiries
Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield:
So far this year (2010) there has been a total of seven murders, all of which have involved firearms and all of which are arguably related to gang activity. There have also been 16 injury shootings and again, they are all in some way connected to gangs.
Gun crime in whatever form disables communities and at present communities in Bermuda are feeling vulnerable and scared. We have a small minority of unprincipled individuals who believe that the only way of resolving a dispute is with the use of firearms.
It is the responsibility of the Police Service and our partners in the legislature, to catch and convict those responsible and ensure that they are sent to prison for the majority, if not all of their lives. Currently two men are awaiting trial for separate murders and five men are awaiting trial for attempted murders.
I would once again like to appeal to people to come forward and help us not just with this murder but also help us catch and convict these gunmen, by supplying information. I would also once again appeal for calm; resolving disputes with violence can never be the right path. Disputes can be resolved with mediation; we can facilitate that by providing support.
Yet again we have a family who has lost a loved one; children who have lost their father. However, witnesses are coming forward and people are providing us with information. There is a real desire to help and we can never have enough information.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.
amazing..i hope they cath these losers and get delt with severly..make an example of his a**
I’d be more impressed if they can make the charges stick and give him the punishment he deserves… LIFE (as in you die in jail) not 25 years + time served = out in 10!
Very true!
I agree with you too
Why isn’t there a police sub station on Court Street? Some type of 24 hour police presence? Everyone knows where the trouble is but nobody knows where the cops are?
In the states, the cops would raid the hot spots frequently, park a few police cars in the area and even tear down the walls that these guys sit on all day. Wake up cops, change your modus operandi because whatever you’re doing now isn’t working.
Seatbelt and tint cops!
Could be because the force is lacking something very important…… POLICE OFFICERS!
Instead of expecting police do everything for you, why dont you get off your a@* and do something like actually be a witness to a crime and come forward with info. And there are only so many resources to go around. Remember there was a shooting on North Shore 30mins before this one, so obviously the resourses were down at that shooting. The fools have the advantage to know when they are going to shoot someone. Police dont know.. and obviously if you park a police car on Court Street all day everyday they will just go shoot somewhere else.. Police is not the problem. wake up people. Because when it does happen and police are in the right place at the right time and start shooting these kids, Im going to be reading on here how “the boy didnt deserve that” and “the police were wrong they didnt have to shoot him” WAKE UP PEOPLE>>> put the blame on the community as a whole not the police…
Quick work!!
Yoo no detz gutta be de vurz preesantaysheon um awar sene………
I mean I love the Police I was one for almost 20 years but there is this Mr. Mirfield shufflin papers….
He’s a bloody Yoojuan speek lyke vun nut beekawz yoo vant to Bramsheal hor dee Mat four a cuppl;e uv veeks……………………
ann dem bykes ann treffic maikin hall dett noiwz ann massin hup dah hintavoo….. Eye jingus guyz….
Yoo shutt dahn dee streeat, purform ah kryme seen annalsist ann yah woiwzez kann bee hurd?
Desilva…kaul mee….vee neid two tawk…………………….Nah……………….
Ver dee hal his Nubby Klark ann mighy mate George Duckett ven vee neid em……………………………………….
Eye mean……….
Maybe next time u can make a comment that people can understand? You’re attempt at “humor”, or lack there of, is getting a little old.
I am with you on that one, it makes him/her sound very ignorant.
Agreed.
Agreed. This nonsense at trying to speak ‘Bermujan’ is extremely annoying.
Well Said
“Dee Green” I think you smoking too much of it.
Lets move the PRC to Court Street. That will solve the problem.
Last month when I was there, the PRC was open too all and the mouths were there whilst the Police were out looking for murder’s et al.
Hey! Here is and idea….call “Blackwater” ( named changed).
Love the “seatbelt and tint”………..
Buckle up and be seen…………………..then we won’t be mean. It’s the Law………………………………oh thats right, whilst you kill others and yourselves without seatbelts and pretend to be Darth Vader……………..
MR DRUG LORD……TEAR DOWN THIS WALL…………………………………..
Terry! Thinking comes from not knowing. I don’t smoke.
Question. If Court Street is a known crime area how come the cops don’t clean it up? I could go a few steps from Spinning Wheel and get something to smoke if I wanted to.
Instead of checking for tint and seatbelts during the day, block off some of the roads leading from these clubs and bars at night. Stop cars coming and going.
DUI checkpoints?
Check points leaving Dockyard on the weekends? Watford Bridge?
I can get smoke at Naval field right down the street from Somerset Police station!
Why? Gun Alley! Right down the street from Somerset Police.
White Hill! Guys out there up to no good. Cops? Can’t see them.
Ord Road! Cops? Where?
I’m not Bermudian or a criminal but why do I know what the cops seem not to?
Crime is going up not down so that must mean the protectors are incapable of protecting. And how come I don’t see cops walking the streets in the bad areas?
A couple years ago I asked a friend what it was like being on the Police Force and she quickly corrected me as it being the Police Service. Figured at the time that it made sense but now, Bermuda needs a ‘force’.
And yeah, Terry or Rummy or whoever that is with the hieroglyphics really needs to stop.
I visit Bermuda several times a year.
Under the present circumstances, with murders
exceeding the averages of large American Cities per cap,
tourism will decline as it did in on several other islands
in the last 20 years. Last year several murders and near murders
in Sandys. Who is in charge on this beautiful island?
Wow…upset some aplle carts?
I would suggest “Yoda” and “totally” and “getting old” get a life or a name.
Something to say? Get on with it.
Or as usual you want to quiet another voice so you can say what you want elsewhere.
People like you are the corner stone of hipocracy.
You always attack the messenger, your naming et al.
Now go back to your world that you left and leave for others to clean up.
for real !!
I don’t want to silence you – just understand what you’re saying! You could have some valid points somewhere in your rants.
oh look – there’s my name….
It wasn’t a personal attack but my point to you is if you have something to say (which obviously you do) why talk like you are ignorant if you’re not..
No need to reply….. but I am sure you will!
WHERE IS THE PRESENT POLICE COMMISSIONER???…..IS HE OUT GETTING TRAINED ON HOW TO TRAIN HIS STAFF???….SOME OF THESE POLICE OFFICERS LACK BASIC PROTOCOL….
BUT YEAH, OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM DOESN’T MAKE SENSE….11 MONTHLY ARRAINGMENTS THEN A COURT CASE…OOGGHGHH…..MY POOR TAX DOLLARS….WHAT A TIME WAISTING EXERCISE!!!!!
Branco you always have something to say negative about the Police Force. If you have that much of a better soluion why don’t you join the service and solve the crimes.
mmmmm, now ya talking.
In my opinion we need to switch up on the norm of how we do things regarding police action. Of course if you’re dressed in the uniform or driving the vehicles including the unmarked vehicles(which are also so obvious)you would always be a step behind. I here we have those that one will call a prick…however the may come in handy mainly when something has already accured; but what about some under-cover everyday community persons …those that can walk the walk and talk the talk just like the street . If it’s really getting that bad and we won’t a change it’s going to take the least expected….some of us already have the advantages of hanging in the areas with the Under Dogs, some will have the advantage of knowing before it all happens…at least a great idea because as we all know Bermudians talk and someone is always running the their mouth. When you fit in or are known to be accepted in many areas who would ever expect….trust me these guys are not really that smart; at least not smart enough.
Looks like “Yoda” has been driving too many mysty’s and the crew..
Oh well….they have their tickets whilst the locals lay in the thickets………………………………….
As for “MrsBDA” and you followers….take a break. Warning Pat about me is your devilish grudge against me.
Why not come out and say whom you are. Thats a personal attack, you know it, I know it we all know it.
If Particia wants to censor me, so be it. But the irony here is the fat that I don’t have to wait 3 months for the RG./Bda Sun et al to voice my opinion.
Mine is done in jest, humor and fact.
We have more dire situations to deal with than you constantly attacking me the Rummy, Territ Cabral et al.
Get a life that others can share or get off that stoopid rabid island.
Your a wanna bee……………….
Me, I just try, thats all.
( referance to commments on the neglagence of us all written on another forum)
I must commend Bernews for its’ ability to report news on this site in a relatively timely way. However, where the site quickly loses credibility is in allowing some of the incessant and pointless ramblings, apparently without moderation. These comments are seen around the world and people must then wonder ‘is this how that community (Bermuda) responds after a murder?’ Keep reporting by all means, but stop allowing offensive, inane and utterly useless comments from appearing on what is otherwise endeavouring to be a credible news site.
Hear! Hear!
Thanks “Reader” I agree 100%.
Now go back to your world of non-inclusion.
Actually, after a cocaine induced sleep I get where Mr.Reader is comming from.
I also understand why I get so many emails from Bermudian Police Officers about the status of the service. Thanks “Reader” once again.
So far from home and you still groan and moan.
Cherio……………….
Bermuda is in turmoil and the BPS hold a news conference in Court Street presided over by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who most Bermudians will not listen to,and cannot relate to either. Where is Mr. Caines and the Bermudian Police officers who can connect with more locals than the two at the conference?
Reminds me of the “teaching granny to suck eggs” comment made by a now retired senior police officer.
To make matters worse, our Police Commissioner has all but disappeared!! Surely he must realize that he must be highly visible during these times. Damn.
Why aren’t there beat cops calling press conferences? Because they’re beat cops! Look at the calibre of the average officer in Bermuda. Chief Inspector Pedro has worked his way up from a constable cadet and has dedicated his life to the safety and security of the general public; the type of officer that is unfortunately becoming rare in the BPS. That’s why he is presiding over a press-conference with the Assistant Commissioner.
Just to answer…Mr Caines is actually off island now on vacation, or he would have been there. He is always at press conferences, and also all major crimes…no matter the time or day.
Detective Pedro is local, and actually seems quite respected in many circles which was highlighted last night. There was some dispute as some Court Street patrons on the scene thought he didn’t attend and were angered the BPS “didn’t bring out Pedro” which they saw as not taking the situation seriously. Once they learned Detective Pedro had attended they were pleased as they felt his presence was indicative of the BPS sending out the “big dog”.
Patricia
Thanks Rockfish! The Police Commissioner and his Police officers must be HIGHLY VISIBLE during these times. How do they connect? By walking the streets and talking to the locals. They’re making $10,000 a month in overtime for what? Not for patrolling Ice Queen’s parking lot after hours. Maybe it’s so they can afford to pay personal trainers so they’ll be able to catch any handcuffed escapees the next time one tries to run? Embarrassing!
If you know so much information about the guys smoking and where you can buy the things why don’t you go and give the information to the POLICE instead of running your mouth. Instead of you sitting at Ice Queen eating because you have been out on the town, why dont you help the POLICE to solve something if not keep your negative comments to your self.
@Only on This ISLAND! First of all my point is that I only come to Bermuda for vacation. This crap has been going on since I was a teenager. I shouldn’t have to state the obvious to the guys who get $10,000 per month in overtime. Are you telling me that not one cop on the whole island knows that Court Street is crime ridden? Didn’t someone get killed at Ice Queen? Woody’s? Spinning Wheel? No cops know where 42nd Street or Ord Road boys hang out and that’s why there aren’t any cars posted there? Steel City? Wherever there are lots of people cops should be visible. It’s in your faces and you do nothing until after the fact. Have you heard the term CRIME PREVENTION? I’m not making negative comments. I’m stating the FACTS Jack!
I agree with Dee.
But the flip side to that argument that if a police presence was mandated for the areas mentioned on a 24/7 basis (or close to it) there will be cries of police harassment and racism (i.e. why are they in these neighborhoods and not Fairylands and/or Tuckers Town).
I actually feel sorry for the police as no matter what they do and how well, or bad, they do it the criticism will be endless. It has got to be one of the most unappreciated and unforgiving jobs out there.
We as a people need to take responsibility for our actions and take back our community from the few idiots who are ruining what we have because of petty bickering and jealousy.
Dee you have a nerve. You come here for vacaction??? When the people of Bermuda have to deal with this on an everyday basis, you come and go as you please… How do you know what the police are and arent doing? You’re not here long enough to know.. If you just stop to think for a minute before ranting about things you THINK you know you would see there is only so much the police can do (on their own). These guys have the advantage of knowing when they are going to shoot someone the police dont. And if you are so informed you would know that there was a shooting on North Shore just 30mins before so obviously the resources were down there. Remember it is as quick as a phone call or a text to say, “They have moved” You say you state the facts, but the fact is there is NO amount of police presents ANYWHERE which will stop someone determined to shoot. Even if you place a police officer on every corner in Town (That’s Hamilton to tourist) they will still find somewhere to cause problems. So instead of coming here and criticizing about things you know very little about, go and enjoy the beaches like a good tourist should
@ok,Thanks for that. Because that IDIOT DEE only comes here for vacation like they said. Maybe the next time DEE comes to Bermuda they should fill out an application form to join the Police and see if they can handle the crime and solve everything.DEE GREEN, You must like our island you come here often for vacation.
I don’t know why people are worried about Mr. Caines being “absent”. At least the BPS are doing something. Where’s the official government statement? Where’s our good Premier? Oh wait, perhaps he and the rest of his sheep don’t care… in fact, I think they kinda like it happening – makes corporate Bermuda and others with a lot to loose feel uncomfortable and that in a weird way is part of the retribution they keep talking about. Careful what you wish for folks…
Talk about shooting from the hip…..PLEASE PARDON MY PUN. I could not have said it better myself. True believer in you own flea’s bite the hardest and yet some are blinded by the glitz and glamour. Wonder whose going to get blamed when their world’s come crashing down around them.
Thank you for the information re. Mr Caines. However, the point of holding the news conference was to update the public at large, not just the patrons of Court Street. Surely there are senior local officers (not beat cops) who are better equipped to connect with the public, especially when asking for local assistance. These times call for a strong highly visible Commissioner leading and motivating the best and most suitable people under his command. This was not the case at the press conference!