Police Identify Murder Victim As Erin Richardson
[Updating: Police have identified the murder victim as 29 year old Erin Richardson.]
At sometime around 11.00pm on Wednesday evening [Apr 23] there was a shooting in the Southampton area and police — including Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro — can be seen in the area, and crime scene tape is also visible.
Area residents are indicating they heard multiple shots and also indicating that they believe someone may have been injured. Further details are limited at this time, however we will update as able.
Update 11.59pm: The Forensics Unit are on scene, and reports continue to indicate that one person was shot. We expect to receive a statement from the police shortly.
Update 12.12am: Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro confirmed that one person was shot, and that he has succumbed to his injuries. He said the victim was a 29 year old man.
Update 12.26am: Detective Pedro said, “At about 10.45pm this evening, officers received reports of gunshots in the Riveria Crescent, Southampton area.
“On attendance in the area, they found a 29 year old male inside a residence who was suffering from gunshot wounds. He has been conveyed to KEMH where he has been declared deceased.
“A full murder enquiry is underway by officers from the Serious Crime Unit of the Bermuda Police Service and information will be forthcoming in the near future.”
Update 1.01am: Video statement from Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro.
Update 7.49am: Governor George Fergusson said, “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the murder of a young man in Southampton last night. I feel for the devastation which his family and friends will be suffering.
“Everyone was painfully aware that the lull in gun murders, while welcome, might not be permanent. But I urge the community to work together to discourage young people from getting involved in violence.
“And, please, anyone with information about this tragedy should contribute by passing it to the Police or the confidential Crimestoppers line.”
Update 8.45am: Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Scott said, “Another senseless death from gun violence and another reminder that we have far to go towards bringing a final end to the shootings and the death on our streets.
“With every life we lose, the potential for the victim to grow, change and make a positive contribution to our island is shattered. Bermuda cannot afford to keep losing our young Bermudian men to gun violence.
“To the family of the victim, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party offers our prayers and sympathy. It is our fervent hope that you will be consoled and comforted at this terrible time and that the perpetrators are swiftly captured, convicted and punished to the full extent of the law.”
Update 9.30am: Premier Craig Cannonier said, “I was deeply shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the shooting death of the young man last night in Southampton. The violent loss of life is always tragic, but even more so, when it is a young life.
“I know that the police are working feverishly to get a clearer understanding of what took place and that the details will be forthcoming. In the meanwhile, I urge my fellow Bermudians to offer a prayer and to show support to the family and friends of the deceased as they face the enormity of this tragic event.”
Update 12.28pm: We expect to receive additional information from the Police later this afternoon
Update 2.00pm: Police have identified the murder victim as Erin Richardson.
Update 2.03pm: Mr. Richardson lived at the residence with his family, and was outside when his assailant shot at him multiple times. The police said that he ran inside, but was unable to escape the gunfire.
Police officers are keen to speak with anyone that may have seen two males – a tall male passenger and a shorter male rider of the bike — leaving Riviera Road in Southampton.
The persons on the bike were in dark clothing, and the motorcycle had what the police describe as a “quiet running engine.”
Update 2.47pm: Detective Pedro’s full statement follows below:
At about 10:45pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2014 – Police Officers responded to a report of gunshots in Riviera Crescent, Southampton.
Police officers responded to this incident and attended #16 Riviera Crescent, where officers were directed to a male who was suffering from suspected gun-shot wounds.
First aid was administered to the male, and Emergency Medical Technicians also made efforts to resuscitate the man. He was conveyed to King Edward Memorial Hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
I can confirm the victim is 29 year old Mr. Erin Lee Richardson. Mr. Richardson lived at the residence with family members.
Investigators understand that Mr.Richardson had been outside the residence when his assailant shot at him multiple times. Mr. Richardson ran into the residence, but was unable to escape the gunfire.
Officers are extremely keen to speak with anyone that may have seen two males – one tall male on the rear of a motorcycle, and a shorter male rider of the bike, leaving Riviera Road in Southampton.
The persons on the bike were in dark clothing, and the motorcycle had a quiet running engine.
Officers have collected significant forensic evidence from the scene, and a forensic autopsy is due to be conducted on the victim.
Mr. Richardson was unmarried and had the rest of his life to look forward to living. He leaves behind many family members to grieve his loss.
We are now in the process of piecing together Mr. Richardson’s final movements and activity with a view to identifying the motivation for this senseless killing.
I am appealing for anyone that saw this incident or can provide information that can assist in identifying and bringing the offender or offenders to justice, to contact Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit.
The Senior Investigating Officer for this matter is Detective Inspector Dave Greenidge
The Serious Crime Unit can be contacted on 247-1739 & 247-1185 or on the 5 or on the confidential and independent Crimestoppers hotline on 800-8477 [TIPS].
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Update 3.14pm: The video of the police press conference is below
Update 6.12pm: Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said, “First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Erin Lee Richardson.
“This tragedy is a sad reminder that even though we have made considerable strides in combating gun violence, we still need to strengthen our efforts to address what is clearly an ever present problem.
“I am confident that we have introduced a number of effective strategies to impress upon the youngest members of our community that there are better alternatives to gang violence.
“As it relates to last night’s shooting, I am urging anyone who may have any information to please contact the Police so that we can bring the murderer or murderers to justice.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 and 247-1185 or the confidential and independent Crimestoppers hotline on 800-8477 [TIPS].
Rip to the victim
Hope they catch these murders….this young man was making a change in his life he wasn’t bothering no one. it’s sad and a tragic how another human could take another’s life so senseless. I really want to understand what drives them to ride up in someone neighborhood shot someone in cold blood. What are you getting out of such a wicked act, I pray for these men that making this island a disgrace and taking out their own race. God don’t sleep and sees all so I hope when their turn comes that it’s not in eternal hell, because right now that’s were they belong. Is saddens me because I knew this young man and his family and my heart hurts. My deepest condolence goes out to this family.
My heart goes out to the family,i lost my son the same way.through this sensless gun violence, i feel for his family. I pray that they will find comfort in thier time of need. May god hold them near.
RIP
its crazy how u meet someone and think nothing of them and then see this.. homie S.i.P I hope no one tarnishes your name by bringing up past events you might have done. No one’s perfect not even A Judge, guys spoke just Monday in passing when it comes down to it. No one deserves to die without having the opportunity to Live life a little. When your down your down. everyones lows are completely different and ONLY the people successful or living a neutral but sustainable lifestyle wount understand why some peoples decision making is in need of HELP. people are quick to assume the worst.. without thinkin within reason. maybe if i gave that young man a job and a chance the predicaments most young black males find themselves in wount arise. im a young black bermudian 23 at that, ive been unemployed for about 6 months ..luckily i have a strong head and wount find myself going back to my old ways. other males have no choice but to EAT or be Eating. this goes to say i feel for this man’s family. Mo Mans Deserves To Die Without Having The Chance To Just Live Life A Little. They Say Freedom Of Speech Is Free Thats About All That Is Free In This World Fullve Greed, Materialism, And Idealism SLEEP IN PEACE HOMIE
We enjoyed our lull while it lasted. RIP.
Bps needs to take residents more serious. Last Month a warning shot was heard in this same area. And because they couldn’t find any evidence of this they made a big joke of it and said their time was being wasted in so many words.
Well I’m sure everyone in the area heard those 5-7 shots ringing off last night. And they sure weren’t coming from Warwick Camp where most times you can hear it in this area.
Tragic indeed …mess still going on … RIP
I hope the police are telling use the truth about CCTV, or this will be the start of a very long Summer. RIP……… another young man dead, sad
Lets see if the cams are useful.
It seems like all the crime is up that way. location always begins with S.
Wow.. right by my house too.. when stuff like this happens i cant help but wonder how it all went down.. these guys are really trying to live out movies. this is A prime example of a crime of Jealousy and hate. And police? Hmph they never do their jobs properly we can’t expect anything more. Lets just pray for the dudes family and hope they get a little bit of justice.
Just i thought to myself bermuda is getting peaceful again smh. Rip to him
All the crime is up that way????! Crime is everywhere east to west and to be corrected most murders have occurred in paget RIP cuzzy smh
No most murders have happened in the hamilton/Devonshire area.
It doesn’t matter where it happens bda is too small for this…it’s just sad
IF any parents know anything about their children doing the horrible acts and not doing anything about it your just a guilty.I will hand my son JS.
Only 9 comments, I guess this is not a Big deal any more,where is the out rage, Marching, Candle lights, Men of concern, we have become so de sensitive to this issue, or did we even care from the beginning, Bermuda is a place where if it is not on my door steep I really dont care, our concerns are all about whats happening in our own world . this will continue til Momma , Girl friend Stop benefiting, and people stop Glam arising these wanna be Wankers.
respectfully, it is not that. We are better equipped to handle that. the police are better at their jobs in dealing with this. There is more support on the streets. No perfect. But we certainly aren’t in the same space of shock and paralysis as in 2009.
Prayers to the family, sad news is never easy to hear or accept. God will give you the strength to carry on. Hold onto his unchanging hands. I will continue to hold you up in prayer.
I was surprise to hear this sad news, as I thought the Govt had it all under control, but guess this is still a serious problem Bermuda must address.
Condolences to this young mans family and friends. RIP
We should never become desensitized to this nonsense. No matter how many gun murders take place, it should be very distrubing each and every time because a Bermudian family has lost a loved one and are now in mourning trying to come to grips with their loss.
To the (non)parents / guardians / relatives of these demonic possessed youth: The devil has taken hold of your children and it’s all your fault for not training your child in the right way. If you know or even assume your child may be involved in this nonsense do the RIGHT THING NOW and talk to them, I mean have a real conversation and save them from themselves – It’s never too late to change. Or call the damn cops; leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers. Do something! You must have an idea that your child is up to no good or hanging with those that are.
This is already to close for comfort! From Horseshoe Road, I heard at least five shots just about 10:45pm. I wasn’t certain if it was actual gunshots because I’m only use to hearing gunfire(rifles)from the Bda Regiment. But this sound came from the opposite direction. I listened for any motor vehicles speeding away but heard nothing. This unnecessary tragic situation only came to light on this morning news. I couldn’t believe what I thought I heard was true and another young man is dead. People need to step up and do the right thing for our youth and Bermuda as a whole.
There is no getting use to this madness. The Devil is a liar and those that serve him need to be told!
John Chapter 8
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.
ONE LOVE BERMUDA
My heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. My prayer for the killers is to grow a conscience to end this madness.
only a coward would do something like this, there appears to be alot of them on this island. Do they think it makes them a man to point a gun at someone and pull the trigger. animals is all they are.
i know sometimes we air out our frustrations on these here sites, however believe it or not the family an some family members do visit these sites to get some sort of healing as well, i would like to offer my condolences to the family of the victim and i pray that justice is done, and i offer the advice to them, that to never lose hope or faith in humanity , evil people will get what they deserve! And may your son,brother,cousin,nephew,friend,boyfriend, receive paradise.
Teach them well and they will lead the way!
A teacher of mine said: “When we fail to parent our children well, someday we will answer to their behavior”.
Tragically, this is what has befallen Bermuda.
My heart is broken, Erin used to live with me a and thats when you get to know a person he had a good heart. Although he had his faults he really wanted change in his life and did not deserve this. I hope the cowards that done this can’t sleep and have nightmares if they do fall asleep until they are caught.
Sadly these guys will lay down their heads and sleep well…if you think they’ll have nightmares you’re fooling yourself. They’re probably feeling mighty proud of themselves right now that they were ‘successful.’
If only these boys would stop and think that even if they never face a judge on this earth they WILL face the judge of all judges one day and He will not fall for any sob excuses (no daddy, etc.) and read the true content of their evil hearts and they WILL be punished. Their only redemption would be to show remorse and turn themselves in to face the music. That is the only way they might redeem themselves and be forgiven.
Hugs to family above. Such a sad time, so sorry…….RIP loved one.
R.I.P. Aaron
Condolences to the family. I only have memories of how genuine he was. I knew him to have a big heart.
One
RIP Fam, you had your faults as do all of us but you were truly a good guy.. No need for all this ignorance.. And of cours BPS will take their time “investigating” per usual.. Love you dirt..
rip fam! rest easy.
Bermuda is a beautiful place but yet such a sad place
If the shooter can READ I would like him to know this.. What real MAN cannot talk out their differences? What real MAN doesn’t value a life? What real MAN pulls a gun and shoots someone in cold blood. Only COWARDS do this,persons who are too weak to face another man without a clear advantage, possessed by evil! But guess what, there is this thing called a conscience, and if you don’t have one the next person who knows what you did surely will. Fast forward 25 years (if you live to see that) you will be eaten alive by a conscience that will catch up to you. Print this and keep it close as a reminder.
The assailants in this murder and those in earlier ones are also committing a crimes against the economy, as such bad news as murders in paradise now travels around the world in an instance, via the Internet. Such news deters ordinary tourists, international business visitors and others from coming to Bermuda. So not only are those assassins committing outright murder, but they are inflicting severe injury to the economic foundations of the island and that affects everyone living on this once peaceful rock.
May he RIP! Condolences to the family
On behalf of Erin’s Family I wish to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. It does not go unnoticed. At this time we are hurting immensely and we ask that you continue to pray for us. This will be a long journey and healing does not come easy. I do not wish this pain on anybody, not even my worse enemy. We are broken. We are crying for your help. We are crying. We ALL must work together to bring these murderers forward so that justice may be done. They do not deserve pity. And you are not invisible. You are someone, you can help. He will not die in vain. He shall not become a statistic in a flawed system. He was a great man in the making. He was somebody’s son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, loved one; taken from us. A Stolen Life. Help us. Please help us. Thank you. Peace & Love
@ Blood, Many people are praying for comfort and strength for our family especially Erin’s immidiate family but I know the journey will be long and hard. God will sustain you. I will personally be praying that there will be no possibility of the investigation going cold but that anybody that knows anything will come forward and that there will be swift justice. My heart aches with you.
welcome to the middle class area