The St. Andrew North Police said two teenagers, ages 15 and 17, who are suspects in the fatal shooting of a taxi operator remain in hospital in serious condition.
Residents of the Lawrence Tavern community in the St. Andrew North Division targeted the boys. They severely beat them, and then turned them over to the police after they allegedly shot and killed a taxi operator. The murder occurred on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
The St. Andrew North Police named the deceased Verne Josephs, 49, a taxi driver from a Manning’s Hill Road address.
Investigators said at about 7:15 p.m., Josephs was driving a Toyota Probox motorcar with three gunmen posing as passengers.
Upon reaching a section of the Essex Hall main road, the men reportedly shot Josephs several times.
Residents of Rose in St. Andrew North Reacts to Teen Shooting Incident
Residents of the Rose Hill in Lawrence Tavern responded to the scene after hearing the explosions.
Upon arrival at the crime scene, they found Jospehs leaning over the left passenger side of the vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds.
The angry mob promptly apprehended the two teenage boys, who were reportedly from the community.
A third person, believed to be an accomplice of the captured teens, allegedly brandished a firearm at the angry mob before escaping.
Head of the St. Andrew North Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Randy Sweeney, confirmed that the teens remained in custody.
Additionally, Sweeney said the police are actively looking for other persons who are believed to be involved in the murder.
Finally, Sweeney said the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has been notified of the incident.
Meanwhile, former Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson emphasized the need for community involvement in addressing youth violence. He said police initiatives like youth clubs are essential. Yet, there needs to be a broader collaboration to prevent violent tendencies in children.
Unfortunately, the St Andrew North Police Division has seen a 17 percent increase in murders in 2024.
As of October 26, there were 55 reported homicides, a difference of eight when compared to the 47 reports at the same time in 2023.
Reports of shootings have also increased in the division, with 58 reports so far this year, six more than in 2023.