Bloody start to year in St Catherine North

Following two murders in two days, head of the St Catherine North Police Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Beau Rigabie, said that intensive investigations are under way to stem the bloodletting.

"We are investigating these matters as effectively as possible. We are aware that the probe is at an early stage, but we are here to reassure the citizenry that we remain resolute," Rigabie said. The Angels community remains on edge following the murder of a resident on Sunday night.

Reports from the police are that about 8:30 p.m. the still unidentified man was shot and killed by a group of men who had invaded the community on foot.

Off duty policeman

The men were fleeing when they were engaged by an off duty policeman who was joined by colleagues, resulting in a gun battle between the two groups. One of the gunmen was shot and later succumbed to his injuries. His accomplices managed to elude the police. A Taurus sub-machine gun with a magazine containing nine rounds of ammunition were seized.

"We need more constant police patrols out here, not only when things happen, but as a preventative measure," a resident said. In the second incident, residents of Kitson Town were alerted to the charred remains of a body yesterday.

The deceased was later identified as Howard Hamilton, otherwise called Ninja, labourer of Old Road in the rural district. Police reports are that Hamilton was shot repeatedly and his dwelling razed.

"He was a very helpful young man and you could call on him to do anything. He was a man that worked hard, this is very sad and cruel," a resident said. The police have yet to establish motives for the murders.