Mass shootings have become an all-too-familiar issue in Jamaica, raising serious concerns about public safety. The latest tragedy unfolded at a bar in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving four others hospitalized.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the deceased, all residents of New Roads District in Leamington. They are Damion Baker, 41; Odane Scott, known as ‘Moses’; Rocky Lawrence; and Ashane Spence, referred to as ‘Future’ or ‘Pa’.
Ashane Spence has been reported as an accomplice to the gunmen.
According to police reports, a party was in progress when, around 10:20 p.m., a black Toyota Fielder motorcar arrived and stopped. Shortly thereafter, several armed men exited the vehicle and began firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene to find eight individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Patrons and the police promptly transported the injured to the hospital, where officials declared four dead upon arrival and admitted four others for treatment.
At this point, the police have not established a motive for the mass shooting.
Commanding Officer of the Westmoreland Police Division, Superintendent Othneil Dobson, described the mass shooting as a Dark Day in the fight against Crime in Westmoreland.
This incident follows the Cherry Tree Lane massacre in August, during a party in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon.
Police Charged a Businessman from Westmoreland with Fraudulent Conversion Offenses.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A business operator from Westmoreland has been charged with fraudulent conversion in connection to two separate incidents that occurred on Westminister Road and Cargill Avenue in Kingston 10 in December 2022 and March 2023.
The accused has been identified as 47-year-old Andre Poorman, residing in the Amity district of Savanna-la-Mar.
According to reports from the Half Way Tree Police, in December, Poorman allegedly collected more than J$900,000 for a 2012 Toyota Hiace bus valued at J$3.5 million from a man, after which he ceased all communication with the victim.
Poorman refused to refund the man’s money.
In a second incident, which transpired between February and March 2023, another victim reportedly paid Poorman over J$1.75 million for a 2016 Toyota Hiace bus, also valued at J$3.5 million.
Shortly after receiving the payment, Poorman allegedly halted communication with the complainant and did not return the funds.
An investigation by the police ensued, culminating in Poorman’s arrest and formal charges.
He is due to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew parish court on Thursday, 3 October.