Kingston mayor calls for calm after Papine Market supervisor killed

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has called on people in Mona Commons, St. Andrew, to stay away from vigilante action after the fatal shooting of Papine Market supervisor Colleen “Sonnia” Bernard, 53.

Bernard was killed about 3:30 p.m. last Friday at Papine Market, where she was reportedly doing her job and gathering market fees from vendors.

According to reports, an armed man went up to her and fired, striking her several times. A police officer nearby reportedly saw the shooting and chased the attacker.

The officer is alleged to have traded shots with the gunman before bringing him under control. Bernard and the injured suspect were taken to hospital, where Bernard was declared dead.

Police say detectives are still trying to establish why Bernard was killed.

Swaby urged residents to keep calm and give investigators room to complete their work. He also warned against people drawing their own conclusions before the police finish the probe.