No-name witness helped nail killers

Legal protection given to an eyewitness helped secure the conviction of two young thugs for murder.

Cold-blooded killers Devon Hewey and Jay Dill face life behind bars after they were found guilty of gunning down Randy Robinson by a jury at Supreme Court earlier this week.

Their convictions came after prosecutors successfully argued that a man who witnessed the brutal shooting should be granted anonymity and given legal protection because he feared for his safety.

The male witness did not have to give ‘live’ evidence at Supreme Court, and instead his video interview was played to the jury.

Furthermore, a court order was made banning his identity from being revealed to the general public.

Chief Inspector Nick Pedro told the Bermuda Sun that the case showed that in certain circumstances key witnesses with information could be afforded protection by the court.

He added: “It is important for the public to realize that if they want to help the police there are provisions under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act that can protect them.

“In this case we were able to argue that this eyewitness was in genuine fear of reprisals and intimidation.

“As a result that witnesses evidence was recorded and played to the jury.

“The witness did not have to appear in court.

“Furthermore an order was made that prevented the name of the witness from being publicized.

“These provisions can be incredibly important in cases like this.

“We have applied in the past and not been successful.

“Each case is different and it is the judge who makes the final decision.”

Forensic evidence

Chief Inspector Pedro also acknowledged the important role of forensic evidence in the double conviction.

Gunshot residue was found on a jacket belonging to Dill after his arrest.

Mr Pedro added: “It seems almost unimaginable now to come to court without some kind of forensic evidence.

“Jurors expect it now and they should expect no less.

“This element of forensic evidence needs to be presented and it proved important in this case as it has done in many others before.”

Hewey, 24, and Dill, 23, were found guilty of premeditated murder and using a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

They rode up to Mr Robinson on a motorbike as he walked along Border Lane North on March 31, 2011 and shot him dead.

Prosecutors said that the duo were members of the 42 gang and had deliberately targeted Mr Robinson because he had cousins who were part of the rival Parkside gang.