Old Harbour porridge vendor shot dead as Portmore student killed in Olympic Gardens

A porridge vendor known as Parishman was shot and killed at his usual spot in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, after gunfire was heard about 9:30 p.m., police said. He was found with gunshot wounds and taken to Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers had not established a motive. Old Harbour CIB is investigating. Residents of the Panton's Lane community, where he lived, are in mourning.

Separately, Brianna Taylor, 21, a Portmore Community College student, and Michael Angland, 22, an InDrive operator of Brighton, Portmore, were shot dead about 3:50 p.m. Tuesday while in a vehicle on Malwood in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew. A third occupant was unhurt and drove the wounded to a nearby station before they were taken to hospital, where both deaths were confirmed. Police said the gunman fired through a window. The Major Investigation Division is probing the double murder.

Taylor's mother, Marine Haynes Taylor, said she had sent her only daughter to a Portmore mall for groceries, insurance payment and two patties, and did not know she would leave the area. "I sent her to the mall to get some stuff, pay my insurance and buy two patties," she said, recalling their last exchange after she cooked rice and steamed fish. "Mommy, I'm getting ready," Brianna told her before leaving. Relatives and then police contacted her; she was directed to Tranquility Funeral Home, where she learned the truth. "That was when hell broke loose with me," she said. "I almost lost it." She asked why her daughter was killed: "She was no one wanted." Brianna had six CSEC subjects, planned to resume studies in September and hoped to start an import business. The family called her Teddy Bear.

Bail for podcaster JD Jeffrey Richards and music producer Javel "Jav Ambassador" Morrison was extended Wednesday to October 28 in the Gun Court Division of the Supreme Court. Richards faces wounding with intent with a firearm, shooting with intent, prohibited-weapon and ammunition counts, and using a prohibited weapon to commit a felony. Morrison faces wounding with intent with a firearm, using a prohibited weapon to commit a felony, and assault occasioning bodily harm. The charges arise from an April 12 carnival after-party shooting at Ronnie Williams Entertainment Centre in St. Andrew in which three people were hit.

Police also arrested 28-year-old Marsha G. McLean of Toronto Drive, St. Catherine, on Saturday for allegedly employing a 17-year-old girl at her nightclub, charging her under section 39 of the Child Care and Protection Act. Transnational Crime Investigation Division officers executed warrants at two premises about 10 p.m., interviewed more than 30 people and charged three. Also charged were Davian Johnson, 24, a security guard of Maxfield Road, Kingston, for ganja possession and dealing and possession of criminal property, and Najira Brown, 25, of Gordon Town, St. Andrew, for ganja possession and dealing. The Jamaica Constabulary Force warned entertainment operators that hiring minors will bring prosecution.

In Westmoreland, Esport Benny, 48, also called Rebel; Jesse Jones, 27, also called John John; and Sophia Robinson, 50, also called Debbie, all of Big Bridge, were charged with wounding with intent. Savanna-la-Mar police said about 6:30 p.m. a man walking on the road was called into a bar by Jones, then allegedly stabbed in the chest by Benny while Jones, Robinson and another woman held him. He escaped, collapsed outside and was treated in hospital. Court dates are being set.