Police welcome verdict in Stefan Burgess murder trial

The Bermuda Police Service welcomes the verdict in the trial of Mr. Julian Washington for the murder of Mr. Stefan Burgess.

Members of the public will recall that Mr. Burgess was brutally shot & killed by a gunman who had forcibly entered a home on Glebe Road on 8^th January, 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, 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, which included 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 for:-

1. PREMEDITATED MURDER
2. USING A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE
3. ATTEMPTED MURDER

He was also found unanimously guilty of:- 

1. 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.