2025 BOT Women in Policing Awards Recognise Four BPS Staff

Friday, April 11,2025

Four Bermuda Police Service (BPS) staff were officially recognised by the British Overseas Territories (BOT) Women in Policing Network for their outstanding contributions, during an 11am Thursday, 10th April 2025 online ceremony. The awardees, from Anguilla, Bermuda, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, St. Helena and the Sovereign Base Areas (Cyprus), were nominated by their respective law enforcement agency and selected by an independent overseas committee, for their efforts in recognising and supporting women in policing. Expressing delight in this international recognition, Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons stated, “I'm absolutely thrilled to share that four of our own were recognised for their incredible work, dedication and talent, embodying the values and commitment we strive for in the BPS every day. These individuals represent the high calibre we have within the BPS, and their achievements reflect positively on all of us. This thoroughly well-deserved recognition makes me incredibly proud to lead this Service.” The BPS recipients are: Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns: Winner of the Inspirational Woman Award! Her resilience, leadership, and initiative in launching the BPS Women in Policing Network are truly inspiring. Inspector Cerepha Bridgeman: Highly Commended for the Leadership Award! Her deep commitment to community engagement, youth mentorship, and supporting vulnerable groups really stands out. Mrs. Julie Trott: Received special recognition for her outstanding contributions, particularly her exceptional leadership in complex procurement processes, project management, and stepping up to guide the BPS Technology Department. Chief Inspector Andrew Smalling: Highly Commended for the HeForShe Award! He was recognised for his consistent, positive efforts in championing equality and supporting colleagues throughout the Service. The motto of the BOT Women in Policing Network is: Inspire, Unite, Empower. Overall, its aim is to develop sustainable and inclusive networks for all women in policing across the British Overseas Territories, ensuring that every woman has a community she can get help from, by creating mentorship opportunities; supporting career development; raising and addressing concerns; while providing international connections through the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE). In the photo, from left to right: Deputy Commissioner of Police Na’imah Astwood, Mrs. Julie Trott, Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, Inspector Cerepha Bridgeman and Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons. Not pictured, but participated online: Chief Inspector Andrew Smalling.

Investigation Ongoing Regarding 2022 Murder of Che Jennings

Tuesday, April 08,2025

24-year-old Che Jennings was fatally shot multiple times in the parking lot of Warwick Workmen’s Club, Thursday 7th April 2022 around 8:30pm, following a community Easter event. Initial inquiries led to an appeal regarding two men on a white motorcycle, heading east on Middle Road, Warwick, shortly after 8:30pm that same night, three years ago. The rider of that motorcycle wore a red jacket, while the passenger had on a yellow jacket. Both the rider and passenger wore black helmets. Both individuals were in and around Warwick, plus surrounding areas, for some time the night of Mr. Jennings’ murder. In due course two individuals were arrested in connection with the 24-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail. However, to date no further arrests have been made related to the young man’s killing. This murder investigation remains active. Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Jennings. Anyone that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence. Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm. In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

Laje Franklin Murder Remains Under Investigation Three Years Later

Tuesday, April 08,2025

Shortly after 6:30am Wednesday, 6th April 2022, a passer-by found 18-year-old Laje Franklin’s lifeless body with multiple gunshot wounds, lying near the roundabout along the roadway leading to Clearwater Beach, St. David’s. Detectives believe that the young man was fatally shot near where he was found. Although one person was initially arrested in connection with the 18-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail, to date no further arrests have been made relating to his killing. Three years later, this murder investigation remains active. Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Laje Franklin’s murder. As a result, the appeal is renewed for anyone who heard any suspicious noises, or saw suspicious activity in the area of Tommy Fox Road, or near the Gulfstream residences at Southside, between 11pm Tuesday, 5th April 2022 and the early hours of Wednesday, 6th April 2022, to come forward. Members of the public that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence. Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm. In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm. Photo of Laje Franklin.

Jordan Outerbridge Murder Investigation Still Active After Four Years

Tuesday, April 08,2025

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is renewing the appeal for information regarding the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Jordan Outerbridge. On the night of his murder four years ago, around 10:30pm Tuesday, 6th April 2021, Mr. Outerbridge was the first person to leave a regularly scheduled card game at a nearby Tribe Road Number 2, Warwick residence. As he was about to head home to his wife and two girls along the Railway Trail in Warwick, a gunman wearing a blue coloured jacket with a hood shot him multiple times, before escaping on the back of a waiting motorcycle. The gunman’s accomplice, riding the motorcycle, wore black clothing. To date, no one has been arrested in connection with the 37-year-old’s murder. Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Outerbridge’s killing. Anyone that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence. Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm. In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

Confirmed Firearm Incident in Hamilton Parish: No Reported Injuries

Tuesday, April 08,2025

Shortly before 11:30 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2025, Police received a report of gunshots at a residence on My Lord’s Bay Lane, Hamilton Parish. Details are limited at this time. However, evidence was recovered at the scene to confirm that a firearm was discharged. None of the occupants at the residence were injured during this incident. An investigation into this matter is now underway and Police are requesting residents of My Lord’s Bay Lane, who may have security cameras on their premises, to please check the devices for any suspicious individuals or activity, which may have been recorded shortly before, or after, the time of the incident. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation into this matter, is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800–8477. You may also call 211, or share the information with a police officer you know. Alternatively, we encourage you to use the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.