Police today confirmed the identity of murder victim Danshun Swann, 25, who succumbed to fatal injuries sustained in what was described as a “large fight” outside Southampton Rangers Sports Club shortly after midnight.
Speaking at a news conference held this afternoon, Acting Detective Jason Smith said: “Over 20 males were estimated to be involved in the incident, which spilled on to South Road.
“During the melee Danshun was stabbed in the abdomen. He was rushed to hospital by a private vehicle but later pronounced dead.”
When contacted by Bermuda Real, area MP Zane DeSilva said: “It was sad to hear of yet another one of our young men have been lost to violence.
Zane DeSilva, Progressive Labour Party MP
“My thoughts and prayers go out to family.
“I’m very saddened that we have had another death in our constituency and in particular at or near Southampton Rangers, as the President and his committee have been working so hard to develop and promote programs that will benefit and bring the community together.
“I echo the calls from authorities for anyone that may have seen or know anything to please report it.”
Meanwhile, a Family Liaison Officer has been “assigned to assist Danshun’s loved ones at this difficult time”.
The senior officer also said police “believe that some of the individuals involved in the fight may be linked to gangs”.
But he said: “Police are in the early stages of identifying whether or not this was a gang related attack.”
Now that there’s another murder investigation underway, police are “particularly interested in speaking with any witnesses to the melee or persons that have information about Danshun’s movements in the hours prior to the fatal stabbing”.
“Specifically, detectives are interested in speaking with the drivers of three private cars that had passed along South Road at the time of the melee,” said Mr Smith.
“The drivers of these cars are of particular interest to the investigation as they would have witnessed the events as they unfolded.
“We recognise that this information is sensitive and members of our community are reluctant to come forward.
“However another young life has been lost in tragic circumstances and another mother is left to grieve the loss of her son.
“No one has the right to take a life,” he added.
“If you know something contact us and help bring Danshun’s killer to justice.”
Anyone with any relevant information is urged to call the investigating officers Acting Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford at 717-0773 or Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864, the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477 at the earliest opportunity.
