Police killings, St Andrew theft charges and renal cases lead Jamaica news roundup

Two men were shot dead by police in St Catherine on Sunday evening after officers intercepted a Honda motor car about 6:05 p.m. along the Lluidas Vale main road. Police said they were acting on information that one passenger was wanted for questioning in a quintuple killing in Commodore district last year. They reported that occupants fired at them after the vehicle stopped, prompting return fire. Three men reportedly ran into nearby bushes, while two wounded men remained in the car. They were taken to Linstead Hospital and pronounced dead. Two firearms and ammunition were reportedly recovered, and INDECOM is probing the matter.

In upper St Andrew, four women have been charged with simple larceny after allegedly trying to leave a store with more than $300,000 in liquor hidden under their clothing. Reports say they entered with children, went to the liquor aisle, selected several bottles and were stopped after supervisors alerted police.

A man known as Krampe, accused in the fatal shooting of Papine Market manager Colleen Bernard, died in hospital on Monday. He had been under police guard since Friday after allegedly being shot by a policeman shortly after Bernard was killed. A Taurus G2C pistol with nine rounds was reportedly seized. Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby said security at Papine Market would be strengthened.

Police in Portmore, St Catherine, have charged a student with wounding with intent after an alleged May 20 knife attack on another student along Old Passage Fort main road. The injured student was reportedly stabbed in the stomach and left hand.

In August Town, St Andrew, police say two brothers were killed a week apart amid gang violence in African Gardens. Superintendent Mark Harris said a wanted man called Chucky is suspected of ordering the attacks.

The Southern Regional Health Authority is warning of rising renal-failure presentations in Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth. Mandeville Regional Hospital recorded 143 emergency renal cases in March and 154 in April, with officials linking some cases to poor diet and sugary or alcoholic drinks.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the Western Children’s Hospital will be named in honour of former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, and that the Three Miles overpass area will also carry a name recognising her legacy.