Police Probe Fatal Shootings, Domestic Killings And Gun Smuggling Case Across Jamaica

Police across Jamaica are dealing with several major crime and justice matters, including a fatal shooting in Kingston, suspected domestic violence cases in St Mary and Westmoreland, a gun smuggling sentencing issue, and public anger over a police shooting in St James.

In Kingston, an unidentified man was fatally shot on Wednesday afternoon on Princess Street, near Charles Street, during what police described as a confrontation with officers on mobile patrol. The incident reportedly happened about 4:30 p.m. Police said officers from the Kingston Western Division pursued the man after seeing a bulge at his waist. A gun was seized, and the man was later pronounced dead at hospital.

In St Mary, police said a 43-year-old contractor identified as Roberts, also called Anif, of Kumi district, was found dead in a decomposing state behind his house on Wednesday. Investigators said he had been wanted for questioning after allegedly attacking the mother of his child with a machete following the end of their relationship. The woman’s mother was also injured after intervening, and both women were treated at hospital.

In Retreat, Westmoreland, police are probing the killing of labourer Vinro Holness, who was said to be in his 40s. DSP Charlie Grey Morris said early information suggested the case appeared more domestic than criminally organised. Reports said Holness was attacked inside his home early Wednesday, while his two children were inside. The children were reportedly covered and placed under a bed before one of them raised an alarm at daybreak.

A separate court matter involves dancehall producer Country Hype, whose given name is Yubert Days. He has pleaded guilty in the United States to charges tied to an attempted shipment of 24 handguns, six rifles, 32 magazines and 102 rounds of ammunition to Jamaica. A JCF corporal, Jason Bennett, wrote a character reference urging the court to consider Days’ community influence and conduct.

In Granville, St James, residents continue to criticise police after Latoya Bulgin, also called BJO, 45, was shot in the chest and later dragged from a vehicle into a police van. INDECOM said it is pursuing the required investigative steps, while Jamaicans for Justice has called for clarity on police policy for handling wounded civilians.