ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Police are investigating the deaths of a St Elizabeth car dealer and an alleged thief following a fatal confrontation at an auto mart in the Longwood community near Santa Cruz.
The deceased have been identified as 64-year-old businessman and car dealer Melvin Blythe and 34-year-old Romele Johnson, otherwise known as “Cutty” or “Cow Man,” of Santa Cruz.
According to investigators, Blythe, a licensed firearm holder, travelled to his business premises on Saturday night. Police believe Johnson later entered the property during the early hours of Sunday morning and allegedly attempted to steal vehicle parts from cars parked on the compound.
Detectives reportedly recovered a bag containing tools and observed that a headlight had been removed from one of the vehicles at the location.
Investigators suspect that Blythe confronted Johnson during the alleged theft, leading to a struggle in which both men sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
The incident was reportedly discovered on Sunday evening after Blythe’s wife became concerned when she was unable to contact him. She later went to the auto mart, where she found his body and alerted the police.
While processing the scene, investigators followed a trail of blood over a nearby wall and subsequently discovered Johnson’s body. Police reported that Blythe’s licensed firearm was found in Johnson’s possession.
Both bodies were removed to the morgue pending post-mortem examinations.
Authorities say a ballistics examination will be crucial in determining exactly how the fatal incident unfolded as investigations continue.
The probe remains ongoing.
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