KINGSTON, Jamaica:Relatives Protest Fatal Jones Town Police Shooting — Relatives of a 24-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Jones Town, Kingston, on Sunday night mounted roadblocks on Monday, disputing the police’s account of the incident and demanding answers.
The deceased has been identified as Alexander Marsh, otherwise known as “Chukku Boo.”
According to police reports, around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, officers were conducting patrols in the Admiral Town/Jones Town area when they observed a man whose behaviour aroused suspicion. The police say the man fled into a nearby yard when they approached, prompting a pursuit.
Law enforcement officials reported that upon entering the premises, Marsh allegedly pointed a submachine gun at officers and opened fire. The police say they returned fire in fear for their lives.
Marsh was subsequently shot and transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators also reported the seizure of a submachine gun and three 9mm cartridges at the scene.
However, Marsh’s relatives have strongly rejected the police narrative, describing it as false. Family members claim the incident may have been a case of mistaken identity and are alleging that the killing was extrajudicial.
Marsh’s father described his son as a hustler who was well known in the community for helping others.
Meanwhile, the commanding officer for the Western Kingston Police Division, Brian Henry, has appealed to residents to allow investigations to take their course and to refrain from blocking roadways in protest.
Superintendent Henry noted that of the 12 murders recorded in the division since the start of the year, two have occurred in the Jones Town area. He also revealed that of the 15 illegal firearms seized in the division during the same period, four were recovered within that community.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
