Video: Police Press Conference On Murder
[Updated] The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] is holding a press conference this afternoon [Dec 18] which they said was to “update the public on the tragic murder which occurred in the early hours of this morning in the St. David’s area.” We will update with further information as able.
Update: The police have now officially named the man who died this morning as 23-year-old Osagi Bascome, who was one of the island’s top footballers. We will update with the police statement as able.
Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the 11-minute replay is below
Update 8.10pm: Minister of National Security Renee Ming’s remarks:
Good afternoon Bermuda,
The St. Georges community and the rest of the island are shocked at the news of the senseless death of yet another young man.
This death hits home as I knew the young man well. Today, I grieve with the family who are my constituents, my neighbours, my friends. My heart aches for them, their children, the grandparents and extended family
I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and offer my condolences to his family at this difficult time.
The Bermuda Police Service can bring those responsible to justice if those in our community share what they know. If you know anything, it’s imperative that you say something. These acts of violence must stop.
Justice is either delayed or not received at all because persons do not give the information needed to convict those responsible for these horrific crimes.
I appeal to those who attended that function last night to speak up
Help this family to get the justice that they deserve.
Update Dec 19, 12.34pm: Acting Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for National Security Michael Dunkley said, “The One Bermuda Alliance sends our deepest condolences to the Bascome family and friends upon the very tragic stabbing of Osagi earlier this weekend.
“It is very sad and disturbing that yet another violent and senseless death has rocked our community, especially as we prepare for the holiday season. We support the call by the Minister of National Security Renee Ming and the Bermuda Police Service that if anyone knows something they should say something.
“There are those in the community who protect the guilty instead of helping the victim’s family and friends. This must stop! Enough is enough There are those amongst us with information that can assist in this investigation.
“Osagi was well-known and well loved. He did not deserve to have his life cut short during the best years of his life. I am appealing to anyone who has information that will bring his killer to justice to please honour him and his family and speak to the Police. This scourge of violence amongst young Black men must stop. This is not the Bermuda that we love.”
Elizabeth Harvey, approved OBA candidate for Constituency 4, St George’s South, added, “Residents of St. David’s are shocked and saddened that such a violent crime took place is what is normally a quiet and peaceful commercial park of small businesses frequented by families.
“Our hearts go out to Osagi’s family as they come to terms with this appalling event as we ask whether we are doing enough to protect the lives of our young people. As violent crimes such as these are becoming more prevalent in our community. More needs to be done to ensure that knives and guns are kept away from social events.”
