St. Elizabeth Car Dealer And Suspected Intruder Killed In Longwood Shooting

Police in St. Elizabeth are investigating a suspected robbery at a car dealership in Longwood District where two men, including the business owner, were found dead on Sunday.

The dead men have been identified as 64-year-old car dealer Melvin Blight of Longwood and 34-year-old Romel Johnson of Leit district. Investigators believe Johnson may have entered the property unlawfully.

According to reports, Blight’s wife became worried after trying for much of the day to contact him by phone without success. When he did not return home, she and her daughter went to the dealership to look for him.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., they found Blight’s body inside the compound. Johnson’s body was discovered a short distance away in an open lot near the fence of the property. The family then alerted a relative, who contacted the Santa Cruz police.

Police said their early theory is that an intruder got onto the property and was confronted by the owner. Investigators believe a struggle followed, ending with both men being shot. The owner’s firearm was reportedly found close to Johnson’s body.

A bag containing vehicle lights, car parts and tools was also recovered at the scene. Police said Johnson was known to them and was before the court in connection with a larceny motor vehicle matter.

Residents expressed shock at Blight’s death, describing him as a calm and respectful man who dealt with others in a reasonable way. The police investigation is continuing.