St Elizabeth businessman Melvin Blythe and suspected robber Romel Johnson found dead in Santa Cruz

Police in St Elizabeth are trying to determine what led to the deaths of two men whose bodies were found Sunday evening at Glencoe Housing Scheme in Santa Cruz.

The dead men have been named as Melvin Blythe, a 65-year-old businessman from Beadles Drive in Santa Cruz who was licensed to carry a firearm and was also known as “Tuta”, and Romel “Cow Man” Johnson, who is being treated as a suspected robber.

Investigators say Blythe had not been seen alive since Saturday, when he was at his place of business. About 6 p.m. Sunday, the two men were reportedly located behind the premises.

Information reaching The Gleaner is that a relative made several failed efforts to find Blythe before checks were carried out at the business. Both men were then found on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds.

They were taken to Black River Hospital, where a doctor confirmed them dead.

Police reported that Blythe’s legal firearm was collected from the location and has been sent for forensic testing.

The Gleaner understands that Johnson had previously come to the attention of the police.

Detectives are examining whether Johnson was trying to rob Blythe when the deadly encounter unfolded. The St Elizabeth Criminal Investigations Branch is leading the probe.