St Andrew businesswoman denies role in Papine Market killing amid reported threats

A St Andrew businesswoman says she is frightened for her safety after police told her intelligence suggests she may be targeted over the May 23 killing of Colleen Bernard at Papine Market. The woman, whose identity and exact business location were withheld, has denied claims circulating online and in the area that she was involved in Bernard’s death.

According to the businesswoman, police have visited her twice since the killing. She said officers told her there was talk that her life could be at risk and advised her to consider leaving the area temporarily while they worked to protect her based on information they had received.

She said the situation has unsettled her household and workplace, with her husband and employees now worried. Security personnel have also been coming to her store, she said, leaving her unsure how to respond to the accusations or where they started.

The woman said several social media posts have named her in connection with the killing. The man suspected in Bernard’s death was confronted by police, shot several times and later died from his injuries. However, she said persons have continued to describe her as the person who planned the attack.

She acknowledged having an argument with Bernard, but said it happened around February and went no further. She said disputes do not mean she would want anyone harmed, stressing that she had no part in the killing.

The mayor of Kingston has urged persons in the market district to stay calm and allow the police investigation to proceed. The businesswoman is also calling on investigators to act quickly, saying bloggers and online commenters are filling the gap while she waits for the police to complete their work.