Police say Sunday's mass shooting linked to six previous violent incidents
Published:Wednesday | August 14, 2024 | 5:05 PM
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, who oversees the crime portfolio, says the police's investigation into Sunday's gun attack in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, has made significant progress, revealing connections to at least six previous violent incidents in the parish.
Eight people were killed in the mass shooting which also left 10 people, including a one-year-old injured.
Bailey said the incidents include a quadruple murder in Havanna Heights in 2021, an April 21 murder and a subsequent shooting and arson that were committed on April 25 in West Park in the parish.
The other incidents are a murder that was committed on April 29 in Cherry Tree Lane, a murder that was committed on May 11 along Foga Road in May Pen and a murder that was committed on May 15 in York Town.
Bailey said the violence has international roots that incorporate local players, some of whom are incarcerated.
“These individuals who once were friends in Jamaica are falling out in the United States over illegally obtained gains leading to each taking homicidal contracts to incite fear and terror.
“Criminal actors in prison were contacted to facilitate these contracts through their criminal networks, resulting in the senseless bloodshed here in Jamaica,” Bailey said.
He said the police are mindful of the reprisal likely to take place and are using all resources available to mitigate any threat of reprisals.
A state of emergency has since been declared for Clarendon.
Meanwhile, Bailey said five people have been arrested in connection with Sunday's shooting, one of whom surrendered to the police on Tuesday.
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