'Community must help police in wake of murder' - Weeks (Update 2)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, UPDATE: A 22 year old man is still in police custody  in relation to the stabbing death of 22 year old Steven Jireh Iris. Steven died as a result of a stabbing that took place outside of a residence of Glebe Road near Roberts Avenue in Devonshire.

Mr. Iris  was taken to the KEMH via private vehicle with serous stab wounds to the abdomen and he later succumbed to his injuries.

A forensic pathologist  was flown in and has just completed the autopsy into the official cause of death of Steven and the family has been notified of the findings. We are still  appealing for anyone in the Glebe Road area who may have seen anything suspicious around 8:30am-9:30am or anyone who may have been at KEMH around 9:20-9:30am who would have witnessed a white Clio car with males who walked into the emergency department with the victim, please contact Acting Detective Inspector Dennis Astwood  on 247-1008 or the confidential crime stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

An MP today urged his community to help police to help catch the those responsible for stabbing a man to death.

Michael Weeks told the Sun his constituents were in a state of shock in the wake of the murder of Steve Jireh Iris.

Mr Iris, 22, died on Friday afternoon after he sustained stab wounds during a fatal attack outside a property on Glebe Road, Devonshire.

Mr Weeks said: "I knew Steven and his family well.

'My son, Marcus, went to school with Steven at Clearwater Middle School so I saw Steven grow up. I also had the privilege to get to know his mom and his father.

"Steven was a typical teenager at school. He was a nice boy.

"I had lost touch with him in more recent times as he was incarcerated."

Mr Weeks said he had spoken with Mr Iris's family and offered them his condolences for the loss of their son.

The Pembroke MP added: "It is still pretty raw for the family and they are still grieving.

"I have spoken to his father yesterday and I stopped in to see the grandfather.

"The community is definitely in a state of shock but we must come together.

"We must reclaim our community by helping the police catch those responsible.

"If anyone knows anything they should contact police - they have a responsibility to say something.

"The police will do their job but as a community we have to do our bit too."

Police have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the murder inquiry.

But detectives are still keen to to trace the men who helped get Mr Iris to hospital in a white Renault Clio.

A police spokesman said: "Steven died as a result of a stabbing that took place outside of a residence of Glebe Road near Roberts Avenue in Devonshire.

"Circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear and the exact time of the incident is unknown but Police were alerted to the scene by a 911 call at around 9:20am on Friday.

"Mr. Iris was taken to the KEMH via private vehicle with serous stab wounds to the abdomen.

"Doctors worked unsuccessfully to save his life and he was pronounced dead at 4:40pm.

Police are appealing for anyone in the Glebe Road area who may have seen anything suspicious around 8:30am-9:30am or anyone who may have been at KEMH around 9:20-9:30am who would have witnessed a white Clio car with males who walked into the emergency department with the victim, please contact Acting Detective Inspector Dennis Astwood  on 247-1008 or the confidential crimestoppers hotline on 800-8477.

MP Walter Roban on Saturday released a statement:

"I was  shocked to hear  the news of the two acts of violence and one resulting in a death in the Pembroke/Devonshire area yesterday. This area over the years has seen its share of violent incidences which is disheartening to the residence and families of the Glebe Road area as they struggle to make sure they live in a safe and peaceful community.  As the parliamentary representative for this area I stand with the residents and condemn this senseless act of violence.  This particular area has seen one violent act too many.

The report that Mr.  Steven Iris fell victim to his injury was not pleasing to hear and on behalf of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and myself our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Iris. 

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the family of the other young man who was shot at in the Alexandra Road, Devonshire area.  We do hope for a speedy recovery from his injuries. 

All residents of Bermuda must be vigilant in the effort to combat and eliminate violent acts of all kinds as there are too many of our families  still suffering from the negative effects of these incidents.
We appeal to anyone who may have witnessed  what happened to cooperate with the authorities in order to bring justice and closure for those who have been affected."