Principal of Hopewell High School Released but Remains Person of Interest in Murder Investigation
HANOVER, Jamaica— Byron Grant, the principal of Hopewell High School in Hanover, who was arrested hours after the murder of the school’s bursar, has been released from custody but continues to be a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
According to the police, Grant was released from custody on Friday night, December 22, 2023. Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit, stated that Principal Byron Grant remains a person of interest as the authorities work to piece together the facts.
“The probe is still ongoing. It has not been concluded just yet,” added the senior officer.
This development raises concerns about the timing of Grant’s arrest and the lack of concrete evidence linking him to the murder. The actions of the police have come under scrutiny, with questions raised about the decision to arrest Grant before sufficient evidence was gathered.
Reports indicate that Principal Grant was outside the institution at the time of the incident and sustained injuries while allegedly attempting to escape. The incident, which resulted in the death of thirty-five-year-old Jermaine Roberts, occurred on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, when Roberts was shot by a lone gunman as he was preparing to leave the school compound.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and can be contacted through various channels, including Police Emergency at 119, Crime Stop at 311, the NIB Tip Line at 811, or the nearest police station.
Fully Bad and Honormosity among four charged over Sting brawl.
Two Dancehall entertainers, ‘Fully Bad’ and ‘Honormosity,’ along with musicians Dalton Derraldo Bartley and Rushane Shavar Williams, have been charged with disorderly conduct following a brawl at Sting 2023 in Portmore, St Catherine on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
The real name of ‘Fully Bad’ is Nicholas Bartley, while Honormosity is known as Layton Simms.
The incident occurred as ‘Fully Bad’ and ‘Honormosity’ were performing on stage. A physical altercation broke out between the two men, with Williams and Bartley becoming involved, ultimately leading to the disruption of the event.
Law enforcement authorities intervened, arresting and charging the four men. They are set to appear before the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.