Mass murder rocks Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon.

Holness promises ‘strong’ response as gunmen kill 8, injure 9 in Four Paths

According to media reports, a tragic event took place at Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, in Clarendon on Sunday night, August 11, 2024. It was reported that individuals were enjoying a bingo party when armed individuals allegedly entered the premises and indiscriminately opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including an 8-year-old boy and three women, and injuring nine others, including a one-year-old infant.

In a statement released after midnight, Jamaica House announced that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had called for a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at 9 a.m. on August 12, 2024. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Mass murder on Cherry Tree Lane.

“I condemn this reprehensible, brutal, and senseless attack that led to the loss of several lives in Clarendon,” stated Holness in the release. “Let me offer my heartfelt condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy. My office has communicated with the Police High Command and urged them to exert every effort to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. The Jamaican State will not stand for such cruelty inflicted upon our people. We will respond resolutely.”

Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of National Security weighs in on the Mass murder that rocks Cherry Tree Lane.

Earlier, Dr. Horace Chang, the minister of national security, suggested that the mass shooting on Sunday night is likely linked to retaliatory actions and urged the police to “use all available resources to swiftly apprehend the culprits.”

Chang reaffirmed the Government’s backing for the community and law enforcement, emphasizing that despite a decrease in crime in Clarendon, the recent incident underscores the ongoing battle against crime.

“We are dedicated to supporting the community and our committed police officers as they tirelessly strive to bring those responsible for this abhorrent act to justice. The police have made significant strides in Clarendon, with a 39 percent reduction in murders compared to last year. Still, Sunday night’s incidents remind us that our efforts are far from over,” added Chang in his statement.

In a conversation with The Gleaner, Lothan Cousins, member of parliament for Clarendon South Western, expressed being “deeply affected” by the incident.

“I am profoundly saddened by this unfortunate incident. What is even more distressing is the attack on the lives of innocent women and children. I strongly denounce these cruel acts and stand ready to collaborate with the Jamaica Constabulary Force in any way possible,” stated Cousins.

The incident hauntingly recalls a series of devastating events in the parish, including the September 2021 quadruple murder in Havanna Heights, the June 2022 brutal killing of a mother and her four children in Cocoa Piece, and the October 2023 quadruple murder in Summerfield.