Murders Surge: Public Emergency declared in sections of Area 4. The St Andrew South Police Division has the highest homicide rate in the country. This follows a double killing on Tuesday night, January 21.
These murders are the latest in a series of violent incidents across the Corporate Area since the beginning of the year. As a result of the murder surge, the authorities declared a state of public emergency (SOE) across four police divisions.
These extreme security measures apply to two parishes. They cover the police divisions of St Andrew South, St Andrew Central, Kingston Western, and St Catherine South.
Surprisingly, Murders Surge. As of midnight on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, the St Andrew South Police Division recorded its 11th murder. It was the first of 19 divisions to reach the double-digit mark.
Murders Surge. The 10th and 11th murders occurred around 9:15 p.m., where a woman and a man were found with gunshot wounds along Rainford Road.
Law enforcement identified the woman as Jodiann Pink, a popular taxi operator. Her deceased male passenger remained unidentified.
According to the police, residents alerted them to the homicide scene after hearing loud explosions.
In St Andrew South, Murders have surged to 11 since the start of 2025
Upon arrival, officers found the motor car’s driver and her passenger suffering from gunshot wounds.
The law officers rushed the victims to hospital, where a doctor pronounced them dead.
The Hunts Bay Criminal Investigation Branch is working to prove a motive and identify suspects for the brutal double murder.
An anonymous relative of Jodiann Pink reportedly told The Gleaner that her family is saddened by her senseless killing.
“She worked hard to ensure that her two children lacked nothing. She was not someone who made trouble with others. Whenever you were around her, it was all about good vibes and laughter. It’s sad to see her pass away and leave her kids behind,” the relative said.
Area Four Commander Michael Phipps said the Area 4 divisions had seen murders surge since the start of the year. They have reported 22 murders combined, compared to eight last year for the corresponding period.
“The St. Andrew South Division has experienced a 1,000 percent increase in reported murders compared to the same period in 2024. We will implement strict measures to address the hotspot areas known for gang warfare effectively. This poses a significant public safety risk. It particularly affects our law-abiding citizens who need to navigate these zones,” Phipps stated.
Michael Phipps Area 4 Commander