A senior police officer today urged witnesses to violent crimes, particularly gun murders committed by men who would open fire on a crowd and kill a man “caught” in the crossfire in cold blood, to break the code of silence and “make a difference”.
Acting Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford, held a news briefing with the media today, in follow up to the latest gun murder committed in Bermuda, following what has been an extended lull period up to now.
The fatal shooting occurred around 10:00pm on Friday, July 27, 2018,, “whilst Court Street was bustling with individuals enjoying a beautiful evening”.
But according to Acting Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford, what looked set to be a Friday night out on the town, soon turned to gun violence.
“The calm of the night was interrupted when two men on a motorcycle wearing dark clothing and full face visor helmets descended south on Tills Hill in the area of Elliot Street,” said Mr Glasford.
“The gunman got off the motorcycle and approached a group of men congregating in the area and began to open fire.
“The crowd rapidly dispersed, however, two men were caught in the gunfire. The gunman and his accomplice then got onto their motorcycle and travelled north on Court Street turning east onto Angle Street before making good their escape.”Both victims were rushed to the hospital’s Emergency Department via ambulance.
“Sadly, the 30-year-old Taylor Matthew Grier was pronounced dead at the hospital at 10:23 pm. A 55-year-old man is currently in the hospital being treated for what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to the family of Mr Grier.
“This senseless act of violence took the life of one of Bermuda’s most prominent dancers and a loving father and the Bermuda Police Service is committed to bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice,” he said.
“Presently, a man has been arrested in connection with this incident and an active investigation has commenced under the direction of Senior Detective Sgt Dean Martin.
“Already officers have started canvassing the area, however, with limited information from the community,” he added.
He also stressed that on the night in question “there were a number of individuals who were in the area who witnessed this incident”.
“Also, there may be someone who has information related to this incident either before or after the shooting took place,” said Mr Glasford.“We honour Taylor’s memory by doing whatever we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“No matter how insignificant you believe the information you have is, we would like to hear from you. This will require individuals to be bold and to take a stand on violence in their community.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt Dean Martin on 295-0011 or the Confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477.
Mr Glasford concluded: “YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”
Mr Grier, leaves behind a young daughter, who now faces life without a father due to gun violence in Bermuda.
To add insult to injury, there’s word that the shooting victim was caught in the cross fire when the two gunman walked up on a crowd of people an opened fire.
Police also confirmed that there was some connection to gang related activity, but it was noted that there has been no suggestion that Mr Grier was related or involved with any gangs.
Police also released an image from CCTV footage recorded showing the shooter opening fire in the hope witnesses will come forward and a second person was with the gunman on the bike.
One suspect was arrested within less than two hours of the fatal shooting.
Mr Grier, who leaves behind many relatives and friends, was also a founding member of the well known dance group Bermuda Squad, which aims to empower young men.
