St Elizabeth man who killed 'Short Boss' in front of his kids convicted

A St Elizabeth man who shot a father six times in front of his young children and spouse has been convicted of murder.

A seven-member jury, with a 6-1 majority decision, found Ethan Clarke, also called ‘Predator’, guilty for the 2018 execution-style killing of Ruel Russell, also called ‘Short Boss’, on August 9, 2018.

Prosecutors Natalie Malcolm, deputy director of public prosecutions, and Andrene Hutchinson, assistant director of public prosecutions, led evidence in court that Russell was shot twice by Clarke shortly after he exited his house.

In a bid to escape his attacker, an injured ‘Short Boss’ ran back inside his house and locked himself in a bedroom with his spouse and kids.

But according to the evidence of the main prosecution witness, ‘Predator’ kicked down the door, stood over Russell and shot him six more times.

A post mortem revealed that Russell had gunshot injuries to his head, cheek, chest and buttocks.

Investigators believe it was a contract killing.

Clarke is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13.

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