Man charged for gunning down higgler at park in Duhaney Park

Twenty-seven-year-old St Catherine resident Akeem Copeland has been charged for the shooting death of a higgler while he was closing up his business at a park in Duhaney Park, St Andrew last February.

Akeem Copeland, a chef of Spanish Town, was on Tuesday charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, wounding with intent, conspiracy to wounding with intent, assault at common law, possession of prohibited ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.

His court date is being finalised.

Lishaun Swaby, 34, otherwise called ‘Flava’, a higgler of a Molboro Avenue, New Haven, Kingston 20, was gunned down on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Reports from the Duhaney Park police are that about 9:25 a.m., Swaby and his worker were in the process of closing his business place when he was pounced upon by Copeland armed with a gun.

The police say Copeland opened fire hitting Swaby several times.

A team of police who were in the area heard the loud explosions and went to investigate.

On arrival of the police, the accused man was reportedly seen running away from the park with a firearm in his hand.

Upon seeing the police, Copeland pointed the firearm in their direction and fired at them, according to the police.

The police took evasive action and discharged two rounds, however, the accused made his escape as the pillion on an awaiting motorcycle.

Copeland was apprehended during an operation on Saturday, February 1, and on Tuesday, February, 11 he was officially charged after he was positively identified on an identification parade.

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