Police operations, ICE detention and crime updates lead Jamaica news roundup

Ran Osborne, also called “Bugheaded”, was fatally shot during a targeted police operation at Knoxwood, near Burn Savannah in St Elizabeth, about 5:15 a.m. Friday. Police alleged that Osborne confronted officers with a firearm. He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead, while a revolver was reportedly recovered. Authorities described him as a member of the John Criminal Network who had been hiding in the parish.

A husband accused of fatally chopping his wife later died after reportedly consuming poison. The transcript identifies him as 67-year-old Joyce Wellington and later as Joselyn Wellington. His wife, 62-year-old De Marcia Wellington, died Wednesday after an argument concerning divorce. Police reportedly found her bleeding on a staircase with multiple wounds. Her husband died Thursday while receiving treatment under police guard.

Hanover police have issued a composite image of a man wanted over an armed robbery and assault on Main Street, Lucea, about 11 p.m. on Monday, May 4. Investigators said several men held up a victim and stole cash and a cellular phone. Information may be given to Lucea CIB at 876-956-2304, Crime Stop at 311, police at 119 or the nearest station.

In St Mary, the body of a 27-year-old man missing since July 21 was discovered near Green Castle on Robins Bay Beach about 7 a.m. Thursday. A fisherman found him unresponsive. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death. Residents said the man formerly lived there, moved to Kingston and had schizophrenia. Police are seeking help to confirm his identity.

Jamaican Southwest Airlines flight attendant Lorenza Thompson was reportedly detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 14 after returning from a work assignment. Fox News reported that he entered the United States on April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired October 16, 2021. A fundraiser says Thompson has no criminal record, holds work authorisation, has an asylum case pending and was pursuing citizenship. A GoFundMe was established for legal expenses.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness also urged landowners and small developers to approach the NHT for financing and guidance on developments ranging from five to 25 units, or up to 50 rooms. He said the programme targets low-income and affordable housing, requires planning approval and could increase supply while moderating prices.

Hanover police reported 10 murders by July 22, compared with nine at the same point last year. The division recorded 59 murders in 2018 and 61 in 2017, while Green Island accounted for 48 of 72 murders in 2023 and 12 of 22 in 2025. Holness said falling murders were improving Jamaica’s standing as a safe nearshore destination and could attract conferences and sporting events. He said the national murder rate had declined from 50 per 100,000 people to 25 based on 2025 figures.