In St Mary, police are probing a double murder that took place in Free Hill early Sunday morning.
Killed were Gary Samuels, a 48-year-old firefighter, and Barrington Clarke, 26. The attack was reportedly carried out by assailants who posed as police officers.
According to law enforcement, Clarke and his common-law wife were at home on the second floor of a two-story residence when, around 1:30 a.m., they heard explosions emanating from the lower floor.
Shortly thereafter, there was a knock at their door, followed by a male voice shouting, “Police,” instructing them to open the door.
Clarke reportedly complied, only to have a man enter the room and inquire about an individual referred to as ‘TK.’
When the assailants failed to locate ‘TK,’ they opened fire, striking Clarke multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Clarke’s common-law wife subsequently went downstairs, where she found Samuels’ body with gunshot wounds.
Clarke died at the scene. Samuels was transported by responding officers to Port Maria Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The police recovered several spent shell casings and one live round from the scene.
As of now, authorities have not established a motive for the shooting.
‘Skull’ Faces Charges for Allegedly Opening Fire on Motorcade on M Garvey Drive.
Detectives from the Denham Town Police Station have formally charged Pepito Smith, known as ‘Skull,’ aged 26, who is a vendor on Spanish Town Road in Kingston 13, following a shooting incident on Marcus Garvey Drive in the Kingston 14 area on Thursday, April 7.
Smith is facing serious charges, including shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to reports, a convoy of motor vehicles was traveling along Marcus Garvey Drive on the day of the incident. It is alleged that Smith drove up to the motorcade and discharged his firearm.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the shooting.
The incident prompted the organizer of the motorcade to file an official report with the police, leading to an immediate investigation.
Smith was arrested and formally charged on Friday, September 20, after an interview that occurred in the presence of his attorney.
A court date for Smith’s case is pending.