Probe deepens after Carnival night erupts in gunfire

Investigators probing Sunday night’s shooting at the Big Wall Carnival after-party say it is still “very early days as it relates to charges”, even as eyewitness accounts, reported security gaps, and the experience of an injured American visitor intensify scrutiny on safety at major entertainment events.

The event, staged for several years after the Carnival road march, was held this year at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road in St Andrew.

Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Mark Harris, commanding officer for the St Andrew Central Division, told The Gleaner that detectives are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident, which unfolded about 9:30 p.m.

“It is ... reported that [a] fracas escalated and gunshots were traded between two patrons. Three persons, two of whom were involved in the dispute, had gunshot injuries,” he said.

The injured have been identified as 30-year-old vlogger Jhadee ‘Jaii Frais’ Richards, 39-year-old American Jeremy Watson, and a 36-year-old man.

Richards was shot in the lower back, in what is described as a superficial wound, and was treated then released into police custody, while the third man remains hospitalised.

He was shot in the upper body and was captured on several videos being lifted and rushed from the venue for medical attention.

Watson is expected to leave the island for emergency treatment overseas.

FIREARMS RECOVERED

The police said two firearms were seized – a Glock pistol reportedly belonging to a music producer and a 9mm Gen 5 pistol handed over by Richards.

Another man, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigations, was also taken into custody on Monday.

A woman, who claimed she was within metres of the confrontation, painted a chaotic picture.

She told The Gleaner that Richards had gone into the female restroom shortly before the incident and was confronted upon exiting.

A group of men then “corralled” him and began assaulting him.

The situation quickly spiralled.

She reported seeing more than three to four firearms and hearing six to seven explosions as shots rang out, sending patrons into panic.

According to the witness, Richards appeared frightened, running and shouting, “Help! Help!”, as he tried to get the attention of police officers.

She said he later surrendered a firearm to the police, consistent with reports that he may have disarmed one of his attackers.

“It was a very chaotic scene,” she said, describing persons running, taking cover, and what appeared to be a stampede as fear spread across the venue.

Police reports indicate that Richards told investigators he was attacked by a group of 15 men after being confronted and struck in the face by a music producer.

He alleged that one of the men pulled a firearm, which he managed to take, and that someone opened fire in his direction while he was being assaulted, prompting him to return fire before fleeing.

Videos circulating online appear to show the vlogger pleading with the police, claiming that men were trying to kill him.

The producer, who is also a talent manager, remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, Watson, the American, said he was shot within five minutes of entering the venue, described the ordeal as “deeply traumatising” and life-altering.

“I was struck by a stray bullet resulting from an altercation involving entertainers,” he said, adding that the incident has caused significant physical, emotional, and financial distress.

His injuries, he said, may result in long-term disability due to nerve damage.

Watson also raised concerns about the emergency response, stating that personnel were unable to adequately manage his bleeding despite the presence of an ambulance.

“No individual attending an event for enjoyment should have their life threatened or leave with a life-altering injury due to preventable failures in safety and preparedness,” he said, adding that the incident should serve as a wake-up call.

Questions have emerged about the security arrangements at the event.

The Gleaner understands that a private security company had been in discussions to provide an armoured firearm storage service, allowing licensed firearm holders to securely check in their weapons upon entry. However, those arrangements allegedly broke down shortly before the event began, with the security team leaving the venue.

It remains unclear whether any alternative system was put in place.

In the aftermath, the police say they will be moving to tighten enforcement of security protocols at such events.

The Big Wall Carnival team has since apologised, saying they were “deeply saddened and troubled” by the incident.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com