Five men killed by police after Clarendon teacher’s suspected contract murder

Five men suspected by police of involvement in the killing of Clarendon teacher Rowan Williamson were shot dead in St. Catherine on Tuesday during two separate confrontations with lawmen.

Police reports say the first exchange of gunfire took place shortly before 2:00 p.m. at Kent Village, near the Bog Walk Gorge. Four men were fatally shot at that location, and investigators said two illegal firearms were taken from the scene.

A fifth man, who police allege had been part of the earlier incident, was later killed after reportedly getting away from the first confrontation. That second shooting occurred about 5:30 p.m., roughly four hours after the initial gun battle. Reports indicate that the man had fled towards Angels in Spanish Town and was in the area of the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport when police arrived. A further confrontation followed, and he was shot dead. Police said one firearm was recovered.

Senior Superintendent of Police Upton Nicholson, who heads the St. Catherine North Police Division, said a police constable was also shot during the incident. The officer, who is said to be attached to the Linstead Police Station, was described as being in serious but stable condition.

The police operation was linked to the murder of 51-year-old Williamson, a specialised mathematics teacher from Prospect in Clarendon. Investigators said residents in the Prospect community heard explosions about 5:00 a.m. and alerted the police. When officers reached Williamson’s home, they found him inside with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at hospital.

A source indicated that Williamson’s killing was believed to have been a contract murder.