Murders Trend down. Jamaica has seen a decline of nearly 23 percent in homicide so far this year. But while we celebrate our advancements, we cannot ignore the alarming increase in homicides plaguing the parish of Manchester. This issue demands our immediate attention and action. According to the latest statistics, reported murders in the parish have increased by 180 percent.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force reported that as of May 2, Jamaica has recorded 184 murders down from 238 during the same period in 2025.
In contrast, Manchester has seen a rise in murders, increasing from five in the corresponding period last year to 14 this year.
A double murder in Farm District was one of the latest incidents in the parish. Hoodlums shot and killed a man and a woman during a home invasion.
Murders Trend down, but ten were reported between April 26 and May 2nd
There were ten cases of murder Islandwide between April 26 and May 2. At least two of those incidents got captured on closed-circuit television and later circulated on social media.
One incident occurred on Love Lane, where a resident stabbed a 50-year-old woman to death. Another took place on Friday along Mandela Highway. Men traveling on motorcycles opened fire on a vehicle, killing one man and injuring another.
All major categories of serious crime are also showing declines. Shootings fell by nearly 33 percent, robberies decreased by just over 20 percent, and both break-ins and rapes recorded reductions as well.
Despite the overall decline in murders, some police divisions continue to report elevated numbers. St. James currently has the highest number of murders, with 24, followed by St. Andrew South with 17. Clarendon and St. Ann each recorded 14 murders.
Hanover has also experienced an increase, with murders rising to eight from four last year, while St. Elizabeth’s count has gone up to ten from five during the same period.
On a positive note, St. Andrew North has recorded just one murder so far this year.