Washington Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison
[Updated] Julian Washington was today [Sept 19] sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Stefan Burgess, with the Courts mandating he must serve 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Mr. Burgess was shot multiple times while at a residence in the Glebe Road, Pembroke area in January 2012. His death left a mother grieving the loss of the second of her twin sons, with Stefan’s twin brother Ryan Burgess having predeceased him in 2006
Julian Washington — who himself was shot back in 2010 — had been found guilty of the premeditated murder of Stefan Burgess, the attempted murder of another man, using a firearm in committing an indictable offence, and handling ammunition.
This morning Justice Carlyle Greaves sentenced Julian Washington to 30 years in prison before he was to be considered eligible for parole.
Speaking after his conviction in May 2014, a police spokesperson had said, “Members of the public will recall that Mr. Burgess was brutally shot and killed by a gunman who had forcibly entered a home on Glebe Road on January 8, 2012, and another man was also shot and severely injured in the same incident.
“From the outset, detectives worked to gather evidence quickly and in accordance with best practice to ensure that the best possible case was put forward.
“It would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Burgess’ family members stood behind the investigative team and assisted them to work diligently on the case in order to bring Mr. Washington to face justice.
“Our thoughts are with them, and it is our sincere hope that this verdict will bring closure to the family and allow them to move on in some respect with their normal lives.
“Our officers who worked on the case, including the case detectives, forensic officers, and support units, worked for over two years to bring this case to fruition. The Prosecutors in the Office of the DPP also worked tirelessly to bring all this evidence together for a successful prosecution.
“The jury found Mr. Washington guilty by majority verdict of premeditated murder, using a firearm in the commission of an indictable offence, and attempted murder, and guilty by unanimous verdict of handling ammunition.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the public who had the courage to come forward and give evidence, without whom Bermuda would not be a safer place today.”
Update 4.34pm: The breakdown of the sentencing is as below:
Count one: Premeditated murder of Stefan Burgess – life in prison with 25 years to be served before being considered as eligible for parole.
Count two: Attempted murder – 15 years in prison with the 15 years to run from a period ten years before the date of eligibility for parole from the first sentence. Justice Greaves explained that this means that Washington must serve an additional five years past 25 years, thus Washington must serve 30 years.
Count three: Using a firearm to commit an indictable offence – 15 years in prison with the 15 years to run (start) from a period ten years before the date of eligibility for parole from the first sentence. To run concurrent with the sentence from Count two.
Count four: Handling ammunition – 15 years in prison with the 15 years to run (start) from a period ten years before the date of eligibility for parole from the first sentence.
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Finally Justice is being served, I still beleive life should mean LIFE!
Justice served.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy… Don’t pick up the soap AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!
I feel those that are doing life shouldn’t spend it up West gate have them pic a country in South America and have them serve time there.
And now the reality check for this young man !
This is another one that should have been HUNG same as any other murderers.
I’m not sure but I think the Maximum any Judge can state is 25 years, didnt the British order these long sentences to be no more than 25yrs?
#freetheinnocent
If ya so sure his “innocent” shouldn’t you have testified in the case so the “innocent” could be “free”. #foh
#dothecrime #dothetime
Don’t be mad when convictions start over turning fly away with Ya comments system just want to say they convicted someone….
a judgement by the Privy Council in October, 2013,ruled that the maximum term a defendant convicted of premeditated murder should serve in prison before he could be considered for released was 25 years.
Two people had their minimum time before parole changed today. Why would the judge waste taxpayers money on thism, only to have him come back to a court and the associated costs instead of applying the 2013 ruling law i.e. 25 years min before parole?
I don’t get it. Perhaps the judge can explain to help the public understand?
Ah Ebonie provided details if you read on. I get it now.
Bermuda system is ridiculous !! Get guilty with no strong evidence.
Where you sitting in on this case to know that there wasnt any strong evidence or did you just read it from the media and develop your own opinion? I was there and I heard every word of this case which I was directly involved in and had I made no assumptions that he was guilty before the trial started. Once all the evidence was presented, it was pretty obvious. So unless you had something to do with it, I advise you to keep your ignorant comments to yourself. Please and thanks!
Shut up idiot.
@ Aaron, what “system” would you suggest we have other than judge and jury?
30 years is good. How many years did Selassie get for murdering that young girl?
GOOD for him!!
If they aren’t going to change the law to actually mean LIFE in prison can they at least change the term. Unless he dies in there at 54 it is not a life sentence. I suppose 30 years is better than nothing. Good riddance.
I strongly agree…LIFE MEANS til ur last breath…the prisoner didn’t worry bout Stefan’s life…to hell with his….N I also agree on any type of murder case these prisoners should b sent to an overseas prison…I doh wanna hear…Oh, their family will have to pay to go and away to see them.. WHO D HELL CARES….the person who’s life they took will never b seen by their family either…. n the saying is…DON’T DROP D SOAP!!!
Wish we would just stop killing each other… Why do our black men hate each other so much? SMH I feel so sad for the families on both sides… Nobody wins!
He must serve 25 years before applying for parole for the murder and his sentence for attempted murder doesn’t start until 5 years before his 25 years is up hence the reason he has to serve 30 years before he can apply for parole. If you don’t know the facts why comment? #FACTS
This “justice system” is a joke, why was Zee selassie not given consecutive sentences, murder 25, statutory rape 20 +killing an unborn child 100? This is the first I have ever seen a murder case not proceed with one charge and leave the rest on file.
“The re-sentencing follows a ruling from the Privy Council in London last year [PDF], which stated that Bermuda laws do not allow for a minimum sentence over 25 years for premeditated murder and 15 years for murder, resulting in some convicted murderers having their sentences reduced.”
I guess Justice Greaves didn’t get the memo…
FYI He got the memo cause clearly he now has to back track and make the correct sentences. In this case the sentences are to run CONSECUTIVELY NOT CONCURRENTLY to make a long story short.
He needs to reimburse the govt for the previous f— ups, and hear what anyone else would “You’re fired!”
Wow that’s tough…30 years..mercy..but justice served..well done mr greaves.with a sentence like that I’d either escape and skip the island or hang myself..no thanks..
FINALLY… I love you Stefan & Ryan!!!! I just wish I could hug the both of you. You will always remain in my heart – Always!
Most of us will be dead by then.
Irony.
Why couldn’t the other two clowns from yesterday be sentenced the same way? 25 years for murder is not enough.
They need to update Bermuda’s system. Murder/rape/drugs/molestation etc these are some serious offences.