Three murder accused among escapees

Three of the eight inmates who escaped from the Black River Police Station were in custody for murder.

One of the escapees, Anward Hinds, 34, known as 'Kirkie', from Maroon Town, St James, was facing charges for a quadruple murder. Two others, Jevaughn Simms, 25, from Copperwood, St James, and Kenneth Stewart, 30, from Beacon Hill, St Catherine, were both being held for murder.

Police said the eight inmates were discovered missing during a routine cell check of the facility at 6 a.m. yesterday. Preliminary reports are that the inmates managed to escape from custody by cutting through a ventilation grille at the back of the cell.

The escapees were in custody for serious crimes, including murder and aggravated robbery, are now subjects of an intense manhunt.

The other escapees are Demar Williams, Oral Cole, Richard Brown, Alrick Hutchinson and Dean Simpson.

Williams, 29, from Gravel Heights in Spanish Town, St Catherine, who was in custody for shooting with intent.

Cole, 31, from Comfort Hall, Manchester; Brown, 34, from Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth; Hutchinson, 38, from Brighton district, St Elizabeth; and Simpson, 34, from Turner Top, St Elizabeth, were all in custody for robbery with aggravation.