Church bishop murdered in St Ann

Service at the Lilly of the Valley Spiritual Healing Temple in Harrison Town, Ocho Rios, St Ann was cancelled yesterday, following the killing of the church's bishop.

Bishop Delroy Bingham, who resided in Discovery Bay in the parish, was killed at his home around 5 yesterday morning. Police have listed robbery as an early motive for the killing, but say investigations are still ongoing. 

Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, head of the police's Corporate Communications Unit, told THE STAR that the robbers first went to a house in Runaway Bay, where they shot a man and forced him to go with them to Discovery Bay, so he could point out the bishop's house. The men then forced their way into the house and proceeded to rob cash, phones and other valuables and even took the bishop's car. 

Supt. Lindsay said upon leaving the men were challenged by an off duty policeman who was at the house. Following a shoot-out it was discovered that the bishop was shot. He was pronounced dead at hospital. Lindsay said investigators later found the bishop's stolen car abandoned some miles away. Blood was seen in the vehicle. 

"We should have more information available tomorrow," Supt. Lindsay said. 

Lilly of the Valley Spiritual Healing Temple is located at the top of Milford Road, close to the road leading to Great Pond and has a loyal following.