Law enforcement officials from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (C-TOC) and the Jamaica Customs Agency made a significant discovery at the wharf in Kingston on Friday, February 16, 2024. They uncovered a cache of 64 firearms, 965 rounds of ammunition, and 107 magazines in a shipment originating from the United States.
Following the discovery, authorities took two individuals into custody and initiated further investigations to determine the origin and intended destination of the illicit firearms. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey emphasized the critical role of collaboration and interdependence among law enforcement agencies in addressing such threats. Additionally, Bailey urged Jamaicans in the Diaspora to refrain from contributing to violence in their homeland by participating in the trafficking of weapons.
A suspect known in the streets as ‘Nile’ is charged with murder.
St. Andrew, Jamaica – Law enforcement officials have brought charges against a suspect from St. Andrew in connection to the murder of 28-year-old Akeem Barnaby on April 28, 2023.
Cavenna James, 39, also known as ‘Nile’ from Burn Side Valley district in St. Andrew, has been charged with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.
James is accused of the fatal shooting of Akeem Barnaby, also known as ‘Kaka,’ from West Avenue in Kingston. The tragic incident took place on Conroy Lane in Kingston on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Reports indicate that at approximately 12:08 pm, James allegedly exited a vehicle and opened fire, striking Barnaby in the upper body. Despite efforts, Barnaby was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Subsequent to an investigation, James was arrested by the police and later charged following a question-and-answer session.
A suspect charged in connection to November 11, 2023, double murder in Gregory Park.
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, law enforcement charged a suspect in connection with a double murder that occurred in Gregory Park, Portmore, St Catherine, in November 2023. Maitland Reckford, also known as ‘Shouka,’ ‘Penny,’ and ‘Kit,’ aged 43 from Gregory Park, faces charges of murder, wounding with intent, shooting with intent, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eyewitnesses reportedly identified Reckford as the individual responsible for the shooting at a pub in Gregory Park on November 11, 2023, resulting in the tragic deaths of Cedric Crooks, alias ‘Gungo,’ from Gregory Park, and Richard Manley, also known as ‘Bada Bada,’ from Christian Meadows, both in Portmore.
Reckford was apprehended at his residence on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, and subsequently identified during an identification parade before being formally charged on Thursday, February 15, 2024, in the presence of his legal counsel. His court date is pending.
Police Probing Two Unrelated Fatal Shootings in St. James
Law enforcement authorities in St. James have reported two separate fatal incidents that took place on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
The initial incident occurred in the Bickersteth area just before 5:00 pm. An unidentified man, described as having a brown complexion and an unkempt hairstyle, was seated in the front passenger seat of a taxi when gunshots were fired.
He was later found slumped in the vehicle, wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and black Polo slippers. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the victim and progressing their investigation.
The second fatal shooting occurred four hours later in the African community in Lilliput and resulted in the death of 44-year-old Kenroy Doeman, also known as ‘Shrimpy.’ Doeman was ambushed by armed men and fatally shot while walking along the roadway in his community just after 9 pm. He, too, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and help with the investigation by contacting the Montego Bay Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) at 876-953-6191, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station.