CLARENDON, Jamaica – On Wednesday afternoon, August 14, 2024, a man was shot and killed by the security forces during a confrontation. He was alleged to be a suspect in the mass killing that took place in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon on Sunday.
The authorities identified the deceased as Steve Smith, 24, also known as ‘Thicka’ or ‘Fly Brain.’
According to a police report released to the media on Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement officials stated that Smith was a suspect in several contract-related killings and other serious illicit activities in Clarendon and other parishes.
The police said Smith was on the May Pen police most wanted list for murder. He was also a person of interest in several other murder investigations, including the Cherry Tree Lane massacre.
The report indicated that members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Clarendon Operational Support team reportedly went to a location in Osbourne Store, Clarendon, on Wednesday, in search of Smith and other men allegedly involved in Sunday’s mass murder.
The police reported a confrontation during which the security forces shot and injured Smith.
Smith was rushed to the May Pen Hospital, where the authorities pronounced him dead.
The Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, is probing the incident.
Video Threatening Holness: Police Confident in Identifying and Apprehending Suspect.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey expressed confidence that the police have successfully identified the individual behind the threatening video directed at Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife, which went viral on social media.
During a media briefing on Wednesday morning, August 14, 2024, Bailey reassured the public that the police are on the verge of apprehending the suspect.
“We have positively identified the individual. This person has been under our scrutiny, and the police are actively working towards taking them into custody. The investigation is progressing well,” Bailey disclosed to the media.
In response to the tragic mass shooting on Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, Clarendon, which resulted in the loss of eight lives and left ten others injured, Prime Minister Holness declared an unwavering stance against gangs.
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a video featuring an individual wearing a mask surfaced on social media, making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Holness.
“Hey… Holness, do you think you can put a stop to the mass killings? Everyone in Clarendon is going to perish by next week. You and your wife are next,” the person declared.
Kingston, Jamaica: 17-Year-Old Charged with Double Murder in Craig Town Bar Incident.
The Kingston Western Police have confirmed the arrest and charging of a 17-year-old boy in connection with a double murder that occurred on July 28, 2024, in Craig Town, Kingston 12.
The authorities have withheld the name of the accused, who is facing two counts each of murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.
The tragic incident took place at a bar located at the corner of Union Street and Clarence Road in Craig Town, Kingston 12, claiming the lives of 64-year-old Carlyle Lyons, also known as ‘Jungle Youth,’ and 62-year-old Trevor Collins, also known as ‘Cow.’
Lyons was the proprietor of the bar where the incident unfolded, according to the police.
Reports show that at approximately 1:50 p.m. on the day of the incident, a group of armed individuals arrived at the bar and opened fire, resulting in fatal injuries to both Lyons and Collins.
Lyons sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, while Collins suffered injuries to his left and right side. Despite efforts to save their lives, the victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
After an investigation, the police apprehended the accused, and brought formal charges against him after eyewitnesses identified him during an identification parade.
The court date for the accused is pending as the authorities continue to pursue justice in this deeply distressing case.
British woman held with cocaine at Sangster airport charged.
ST JAMES, Jamaica—A British woman was apprehended by narcotics agents at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, after they discovered a suspected cocaine substance in her luggage.
The woman, whose identity has been withheld by the police, is facing multiple violations of the Danger Drugs Act.
According to reports, detectives from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) detained the woman during an anti-narcotics operation at the airport’s check-in area.
Allegedly, the woman was getting processed before boarding a flight bound for London when she was interviewed, and her luggage was searched by agents.
During the search, detectives uncovered two concealed compartments in her suitcases.
Upon further inspection, FNID agents found four packages containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine.
Reportedly, the seized drugs weighed approximately 16 pounds.
After a question-and-answer session in the presence of her attorney, the police formally arrested and charged the woman. Her court date is pending.