Two men were killed at a cookshop in Luana, St. Elizabeth; one victim is identified as Shadrick Watson, 33. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when an armed man opened fire after a brief conversation with the victims. In response, police have imposed a 48-hour curfew in eight communities due to potential reprisals. In a separate incident, Shawn Fletcher, 40, was killed in a shooting in Old Harbour, resulting in injuries to a woman. A security guard received a two-month prison sentence for stealing pineapples but was released immediately due to time served.
Category: Crime and violence
Christa Pike Survives Botched Execution: First Words Revealed
Christa Pike survived a botched execution and regained consciousness after lethal injection attempts. Her attorney revealed that she began speaking after being declared 'brain dead' and was on life support. Pike had spent days on a ventilator and developed complications such as a blood clot and pneumonia. She has been on death row since 1996 for the murder of Colleen Slemmer, and her execution was scheduled for September 30. Pike is the only known person in U.S. history to survive after lethal injection was administered during an execution.
Justice Sykes handed Toshyna and Sarayah’s Killer life in Prison
In the Supreme Court on Friday, October 2, 2026, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes handed a life sentence and 25 years to a Kingston painter. In addition, Justice Sykes also ruled that 35-year-old David Smith must serve 45 years before he is egible for parole. Justice handed down the sentences after the triggerman David Smith pleady guilty in September 2023 abduction and killing of Toshyna Patterson and her 10‑month‑old daughter, Sarayah Paulwell.
Constable Patrick Walters Sentenced in Girlfriend’s Fatal Shooting.
Constable Patrick Walters received a 22-year and six-month prison sentence for manslaughter and an additional 20 years for using a firearm. The incident occurred during a dispute over a phone call with his girlfriend, D’Jonnay Graham, who was shot and later died. Justice Tara Carr ruled that the sentences will run concurrently and were announced on October 2, 2026. The victim's mother expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, expecting a longer term for Walters. Initially charged with homicide, Walters pleaded guilty to manslaughter and claimed self-defense during the dispute.
Off Duty Cop Flees Armed Man in Denham Town, Suspect Charged
An off duty officer fled after a man, identified as Horatio Livine, allegedly charged at him with a firearm in Denham Town. Police charged Livine with possession of a prohibited weapon and assault, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. The incident occurred on September 24, when the officer saw Livine running towards him armed. Livine later surrendered to the police, assuring the community that justice will be served. Doujon Duwayne Griffiths was found guilty of murdering Massania Malcolm and her one-year-old daughter in Orange County in 2021.
Portmore Man Charged for Threats to JCF in Social Media Video
A man from Portmore, Kevaughn Spencer, faces charges for making threats against the Jamaica Constabulary Force via a malicious video on social media. Authorities charged Spencer under the Cybercrime Act for promoting criminal activity and inciting violence against law enforcement. Police arrested Spencer after he surrendered on September 26, 2023, following an investigation into the video. Separately, entertainer Pops YG was arrested at his Trelawny home during a livestream, suspected of violating the lottery scam law. Both cases highlight the serious stance JCF takes on cyber threats and incitements of violence.
Cop Gets Roughed UP, and His Gun Stolen in St Andrew Attack.
On September 20, 2026, a suspect allegedly punched a police officer and stole his Glock pistol during a confrontation in Kingston 8. The incident highlights risks associated with sending a single officer to respond to potentially dangerous situations. The Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau is investigating the incident. Separately, Portmore police are investigating a potential suicide involving 16-year-old Gabrielle Simpson, found unresponsive at home on September 21, 2026. Authorities treat Gabrielle's tragic incident as a possible suicide.
Jamaica Tragedies: Teen Electrocuted and Man set Ablaze.
A 16-year-old boy, Rishane Roberts, died after being electrocuted while harvesting coconuts at home in Clarendon. His mother discovered him after hearing a commotion, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. In Denham Town, a man was set on fire allegedly for refusing to join a protest against police action on a local gangster. Authorities treated the fire incident as part of ongoing gang-related violence, identifying Omarley Dennie as a person of interest. Community protests reflect deep concerns about gang culture in garrison communities after the death of an influential local figure.
Police Shootout in Bog Walk Leaves One Dead, Uzi Seized.
A police confrontation in Bog Walk resulted in the demise of 35-year-old Dywane Edwards during a confrontation with officers. The police targeted Edwards based on intelligence concerning illegal firearms; he allegedly fired back during the encounter. Following the shooting, police found Edwards with a loaded Uzi and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In a separate case, a judge released three men charged with gun-related felonies due to the absence of a crucial witness. The three men faced charges related to the 2016 homicide of 33-year-old Nordel Parkes, but the lack of prosecution led to their release.
Law Enforcement Charged St James Man in $71M Drug Bust.
Roderick Spence, a 56-year-old man from St James, faces multiple charges related to a major drug seizure at Kingston Freeport Terminal. Law enforcement found 103 parcels of cocaine and 123 parcels of ganja during the operation on August 7, valued over $71 million. David Smith, a project manager, has been charged with embezzlement linked to a roofing company after a customer reported losing money for materials never delivered. Smith allegedly received US$3,700 for roofing materials but failed to provide them, leading to a police report and his subsequent arrest. Law enforcement have scheduled both suspects are scheduled to appear in court in September and October, respectively, following their charges.