Caught on camera
Another murderer admits guilt owing to CCTV footage
Published:Tuesday | December 12, 2023 | 12:12 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A 19-year-old male who was granted bail in the Western Regional Gun Court in September is one of two men implicated in the murder of 34-year-old vendor Akeem Robinson, who was killed two weeks ago on Fustic Road in Montego Bay.
Of the two accused, 20-year-old Tyrece Hunter, also known as Bobby, a motorcycle mechanic from John’s Hall, St James, has admitted to the murder, as closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage placed him at the scene.
His alleged co-conspirator, Andeno ‘Deno’ Barrett, previously arrested in March with an illegal firearm and ammunition, failed to appear in court on Monday and is now a person of interest.
A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Senior Superintendent of Police Vernon Ellis, the commanding officer in charge of St James, stated that Hunter, officially charged with murder, confessed to his role and is now a proactive co-operator.
Despite 17 targeted operations to find Barrett, who is unemployed and resides on Katty Lane, Irwin, St James, efforts have been unsuccessful.
“A series of CCTV footage led to the capture of the suspect and the seizure of the motorcycle used in the commission of the murder,” Ellis told The Gleaner.
According to police reports, Robinson, originally from Burnt Savannah in St Elizabeth, was seated along the roadway when approached by a lone man on a motorcycle. The man pulled a firearm and shot Robinson in the head before escaping on the waiting motorcycle.
VICTIM DIED AT HOSPITAL
Robinson was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital by citizens, where he died during treatment.
The Montego Bay Criminal Investigation Bureau launched a probe using canvassing and CCTV to identify and trace the perpetrators. This led to the arrest of Hunter, with the motorcycle believed to be involved found in his possession.
As the success rate in solving murders increase in the parish, the Granville Peace and Justice and Resource Development Foundation (GPJRDF) has joined the call for the expansion of CCTVs in St James. Their call comes days after an endorsement by Montego Bay businessman Mark Kerr-Jarrett.
In a letter to The Gleaner on Sunday, O Dave Allen, executive director of GPJRDF, expressed his belief in the potential of technology to enhance public safety and security.
In addition to supporting technological advancements in crime prevention, Allen also emphasised the importance of diversifying law enforcement and crime reduction approaches.
“We also believe it is essential to explore non-conventional methods of policing, such as saturation policing, and the increase of social intervention strategies,” he said.
Allen states that when applied appropriately, saturation policing has shown promising results in deterring and combating criminal activities. The GPJRDF is ready to collaborate with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to implement these strategies and create a safer environment.