Probe under way into Above Rocks fiery death
Published:Thursday | August 25, 2022 | 12:10 AM
The St Catherine North police are probing if the discovery of charred remains of a man found Tuesday in an unfinished building was linked to a family squabble over land in Above Rocks.
The police theorise the dead man, Richard ‘Dragon’ Hoyes, 58, was shot and burnt to death some time between midnight Monday and 8 a.m. on Creary’s Road in the community.
Hoyes, who lived in the community but had moved to Passley Gardens, Portland, had reportedly returned to the area recently.
“I think about six shot him get and dem burn him,” said a resident familiar with the incident who requested anonymity.
Reports from the Linstead police are that householders heard explosions and later called the police.
The police said that a number of spent casings were found at the scene.
Some residents told The Gleaner that they were not familiar with Hoyes because he had left the community many years ago.
The St Catherine North police are asking anyone with information to contact the Linstead Criminal Investigation Branch.
Divisional head Senior Superintendent Howard Chambers could not be reached as several calls to his phone went to voicemail.
The division has recorded a near 51 per cent increase, year-on-year, in murders up to August 22.
Ninety-five people have been killed so far, compared to 63 in 2021.
Nationally, 968 persons have been murdered, a four per cent increase when compared to the corresponding period in 2021.