Mystery surrounds death of US army vet

A myriad of theories have emerged surrounding the mysterious death of a man who was found naked at his home in Botany Bay, St Thomas, yesterday lying in a pool of blood.

The news team was informed that the body was discovered by a friend of the deceased who grew concerned about his well-being after several failed attempts to get him on his mobile phone. The St Thomas police confirmed the incident, calling it a case of "sudden death".

"There is no foul play suspected, we are ruling out that. But we can confirm the incident," said Deputy Superintendent Oneil Thompson, who is the operations officer for the division.

However, a person who spoke to THE STAR under condition of anonymity, said that the man, who so far has only been identified as 'Whiteman', was murdered, as he was "fit and healthy", despite being in his 70s. The source also alleged that Whiteman came to Jamaica from the US more than a decade ago after completing a lengthy career in the military. Whiteman is believed to be a returning resident who has dual citizenship. He reportedly lived only with his dog. Despite his relatively quiet life, Whiteman was reportedly well-liked by several residents, with whom he engaged in meaningful conversations with peers over drinks.

The death has triggered tension in the historically quiet community. Hubert Williams, councillor of the White Horses Division in the St Thomas Municipal Corporation said Botany Bay is not a community that is used to such incidents and urged authorities to get to the bottom of it.

Percival LaTouche, the president of the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents, has urged returning citizens to exercise more caution.

"They are a bit more wiser because of some meetings we have undertaken across the island. I will repeat the importance of caution; be careful of what you say because it is not today or tomorrow that you talk it, it will work back on you. Also don't segregate yourself from people but be careful of who you talk to and tell things," he said.