Probe Opens Into Reported Gun Salute At St. Catherine Officer’s Nine-Night

Police in St. Catherine have opened an investigation into reports of a prolonged gun salute connected to a nine-night for Police Constable Shanky Gordon, who died after a motorcycle crash on Monday, June 1.

Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, commanding officer for the St. Catherine North Police Division, confirmed that investigators are examining allegations that sustained gunfire took place near the event. The nine-night was reportedly held at Gordon’s home in Watton, St. Catherine. Gordon was attached to the St. Catherine North Operations team.

Reports said the shooting lasted close to 15 minutes, and video clips have circulated on social media. One recording reportedly showed a man appearing to wear police uniform holding a rifle upward, while another man nearby fired a gun as Aidonia’s “Real Killer” played.

Nicholson told the news on Thursday: “Some investigation is going on. I am aware of some allegations in that regard.” He said he was told the shots were fired close to, but not at, the premises where the nine-night was being held. He added: “The law is the law. It is illegal.”

Gordon reportedly crashed on an unlicensed motorcycle in New Waltham about 2:00 a.m. on June 1 and later died in hospital. Nicholson had described him as hardworking, energetic, rounded and jovial.

In another matter, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn said the case against Leoda Bradshaw, accused in the 2023 abduction and killing of Phillip Paulwell’s 10-month-old daughter Saraya and the child’s mother, 27-year-old Tashana Patterson, will proceed to trial.

Bradshaw’s defence had indicated she was prepared to plead guilty to non-capital murder, but the Crown disagreed with her account and the legal basis of the plea. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes set a plea and case management hearing for June 24, with trial scheduled for September 28.

Bradshaw, a former United States Navy culinary specialist, faces conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and capital murder charges alongside Roland Balfour, David Smith and Bishane Black. Her co-accused have entered guilty pleas. Prosecutors say Patterson and Saraya were taken to Warieka Hills, St. Andrew, shot and killed, and their bodies burnt after being reported missing on September 9, 2023.