Ep 14. Bermuda: Death On The Rock

In City Confidential season 1 episode 14, titled "Bermuda: Death On The Rock," viewers are introduced to the story of Rebecca Middleton, a 17-year-old Canadian girl who was visiting Bermuda in July 1996 when she was brutally raped and left for dead on a secluded beach. The episode examines the investigation that followed her death, as well as the political and social ramifications that the case had on the small island nation.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Bermuda, a picturesque island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that is known for its pink sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, the show quickly reveals that Bermuda has a dark underbelly, with a high crime rate and a seedy nightlife scene. This is the backdrop against which Rebecca's story unfolds.

The episode then delves into the details of Rebecca's death. On July 3, 1996, Rebecca and her friend Jasmine were walking home from a party when they were offered a ride by three men in a car. Believing that the men were harmless, the girls accepted and got into the car, only to be driven to a remote area of the island where they were brutally attacked. Jasmine managed to escape and eventually guided police to the scene, but Rebecca was already dead.

The show explores the investigation that followed Rebecca's death, including the collection of forensic evidence and the questioning of suspects. The case quickly became a media sensation in both Canada and Bermuda, with many calling for justice for Rebecca and her family. However, as the investigation continued, it became clear that the case was not going to be an easy one to solve. The suspects were well-connected members of Bermuda's wealthy elite, and it was clear that there were powerful forces working to protect them.

The episode also examines the political and social impact of Rebecca's death on Bermuda. The island had long been regarded as a safe and idyllic tourist destination, but the brutal nature of Rebecca's death shattered this image and exposed the darker side of Bermuda, including the rampant drug use, prostitution, and violence that was hidden beneath the surface. The case also revealed deep rifts within Bermuda's society, as many Bermudians resented the presence of wealthy expatriates who they felt were taking over their island.

Ultimately, the episode concludes with the trial of the two men charged with Rebecca's murder. The trial was highly publicized and closely watched, both in Bermuda and in Canada, and the outcome had far-reaching implications for both countries. The episode does not reveal the outcome of the trial, leaving viewers to ponder the questions raised by this tragic case.

Overall, "Bermuda: Death On The Rock" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of City Confidential that explores the underside of a seemingly idyllic tourist destination and raises important questions about justice, class, and race.