The Guanaboa Vale police in St Catherine have initiated an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man and the injuring of a 34-year-old woman in Naseberry Grove, St Catherine on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The deceased has been identified by the police as Kevin Smith, aged 31.
According to authorities, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Smith and the woman were spending time at his residence when three men, two of whom were armed with firearms, intruded into the premises.
A confrontation ensued, resulting in both Smith and the woman sustaining gunshot wounds.
Upon their arrival, the police discovered Smith and the woman within the residence, both having sustained gunshot injuries.
The victims were promptly transported to the Spanish Town Hospital, where Smith was tragically pronounced deceased, while the woman was admitted for medical treatment.
Authorities are currently working to ascertain the motive behind the shooting.
Fatal shooting near gas station in Spanish Town.
The authorities in St Catherine North initiated an inquiry into the tragic shooting of a man on Young Street in Spanish Town on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The deceased was identified as Antonio Patterson, also known as ‘Oney,’ aged 36, a laborer from a Spanish Town address.
Reports indicate that around 6:50 p.m., nearby residents heard gunshots in the vicinity of the Barrett’s service station along Young Street.
Upon receiving the alert, law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and discovered Patterson with gunshot wounds to his upper body.
The police promptly transported the injured man to the Spanish Town Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
No motive for Patterson’s tragic demise has been established. Detectives from the Spanish Town Criminal Investigation Branch are diligently investigating the shooting.
31-Year-Old Male Suspect Arrested After Shooting Incident in Linstead, St Catherine.
A 31-year-old male suspect was apprehended by the police in Linstead, St Catherine, following an incident where he allegedly shot and injured a worker at a construction site on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The suspect, whose identity has been withheld by the police pending further investigation, was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and breaches of the Firearms Act.
Reportedly, at approximately 7:40 p.m., a verbal dispute escalated into an altercation between the suspect and the victim as they were both working along the Linstead Bypass. Allegedly, the suspect left the work site, returned with a handgun, and proceeded to open fire, injuring the victim in the right shoulder.
The police promptly responded to the situation, apprehended the suspect, and provided assistance to the injured man, transporting him to the hospital for medical treatment.
Alligator Pond Devastated by Hurricane Beryl.
Residents of Compound in Alligator Pond, situated on the border of St Elizabeth and Manchester, are contending with the severe aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
The formidable storm wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage to roofs and crops estimated to be in the millions.
The community is confronted with significant challenges, as many residents seek refuge with relatives while waiting for the restoration of essential utilities such as electricity and running water.
Member of Parliament Robert Chin reportedly conducted a visit to the area on Thursday, July 4, 2024, to assess the extent of the destruction.
Meanwhile, Alligator Pond division councilor Omar Robinson has stated that they are preparing care packages for the affected residents.
“The mayor has called upon us to organize relief packages for those affected. Our focus is on the vulnerable and shut-ins who were unable to access the shelters,” he explained.
Robinson also mentioned that individuals are currently on-site collecting data on the households and crops that have incurred damage, with the aim of providing further assistance.
Urgent Search and Rescue Efforts Underway for 11 Missing Fishermen.
A comprehensive search and rescue mission is currently in progress to locate 11 fishermen who have been reported missing since Tuesday. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) ‘s Maritime Air and Cyber Command (MACC) is leading the operation.
According to the JDF, the fishermen departed from the Cow Bay area in St Andrew on Saturday, June 29, 2024, heading towards the Morant Cays in three canoe-style vessels. Their expected return was on Tuesday, and when they failed to arrive, attempts to establish contact proved unsuccessful. As a result, the authorities directed the JDF Coast Guard to initiate search and rescue operations on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
In a recent statement, the JDF announced that all search and rescue resources are now fully operational following the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The military has deployed a helicopter from the JDF Air Wing and offshore patrol vessels from the JDF Coast Guard to search for the missing fishermen.
The JDF has issued a plea to all seafarers to remain vigilant and report any sightings of three specific vessels: a red, white, and blue fishing vessel named ‘Blessing,’ a green and burgundy fishing vessel called ‘Prayer Warrior,’ and a vessel named ‘Prayer Warrior 2.’
Individuals with information about the whereabouts of these vessels are urged to contact the Maritime Air and Operations Centre at 876-926-8121 extension 4004-6 or 876-836 1216.
The JDF emphasizes its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Jamaicans and asserts its dedication to exhaust all efforts in bringing the missing fishermen back home.