Rebecca Jane Middleton

Rebecca Jane Middleton (June 27, 1979 – July 3, 1996) was a Canadian teenager who was raped and murdered while on vacation in Bermuda. She was stabbed over 30 times, although alive when found, she bled to death before paramedics arrived.

Due to numerous errors in the prosecution of the perpetrators and double jeopardy, no one was charged with the murder. Due to the heinous nature of the crime, the lack of prosecution and the persistence of the Middleton family in seeking justice, it became a high-profile case and attracted the attention of Cherie Booth (the former UK Prime Minister's wife).

Background Rebecca "Becky" Jane Middleton was born on June 27, 1979, to Cindy and Dave Middleton in Belleville, Ontario. Rebecca was described by her family as a "tomboy". She played softball in her local community league and enjoyed sailing, skiing and playing piano.

On June 20, 1996, shortly before her 17th birthday, Rebecca set out on summer vacation to St. George's, Bermuda, accompanied by her friend Jasmine. The two girls planned to stay with Jasmine's father, Rick Meens, in Flatts for the duration of their visit. The two girls had originally hoped to make the trip in 1995, but were unable to convince Rebecca's parents at the time. The men offered the girls a ride home, and due to a lack of other options, they accepted. Jasmine got on the first motorbike with Lottimore, and Rebecca got on the second motorbike with Smith and Mundy.

At approximately 3:45 a.m. Jasmine arrived at her family home in Flatts and was unable to find Rebecca. She woke up her father Rick to tell him that Rebecca was missing, and they soon commenced their own search of the island.

In November 1998, Justis Smith was tried for his part in the murder. Smith alleged that Mundy had been the primary perpetrator of the offence and contradicted Mundy's testimony. Judge Vincent Meerabux ultimately directed the jury to acquit Smith, stating there was not enough evidence to convict him of the offence. Critics also alleged that prosecutors were intent on securing a guilty plea in order to preserve the Bermuda's national image as a safe tourist destination and wanted to resolve the case as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, a poorly executed police investigation, improper evidence handling, and an inexperienced prosecution ultimately resulted in the acquittal of Justis Smith. According to media reports, the head prosecutor for the case left the prosecution team one week before the case began, In 2006, the Bermuda National Trust created the Rebecca Middleton nature reserve and installed a memorial plaque in her name.