Two charged with murder in Gregory Park arson attack

Two men have been slapped with murder and arson charges in relation to the Gregory Park fire bombings that took place earlier this month.

Charged are 24-year-old Nigel McLarty, a mechanic of Christian Pen, and 21-year-old Odane Fowler of Portmore Villa, both in St Catherine. Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey made the disclosure at a press conference yesterday at the Greater Portmore Police Station. McLarty and Fowler were booked on counts of arson, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and being part of a criminal organisation. The duo are said to be among a group of men who firebombed 11 houses on Walkers Avenue in Gregory Park on August 12.

During the incident, Raneel Haughton, 28, was shot and killed, while Naomi Gocul, 70, who sustained significant burns in the attack, succumbed to her injuries on August 21. The arson attack left 47 persons homeless inclusive of 28 children. According to Bailey, over the past five months, a number of crimes have been committed within the Gregory Park space, including seven murders, four shootings and two incidents of arson.

"Most of the murders reported in the Gregory Park area have been attributed to ongoing inter-gang conflicts. The major areas of concerns are Banga Gully, Mexico, Christian Pen, Gulf, Train Line, Walkers Avenue and Watson Grove," Bailey said. He also said the security forces have conducted a number of operations within the embattled space and have made several other arrests.

"Detectives have managed to clear, by means of arrests, six murders, two shootings, and one incident of arson," he said.

Damion Davis, otherwise called 'China Man', and Jordan Richardson were charged for the murder of John Crooks, a security guard who was killed in May. Tyrone Chad was charged for the murder of Lancelot Grant on March 6, and Phillip Anthony Scott, otherwise called 'Trooper', was charged with the murder of Christopher Raphley last year.

On August 16, a major police operation was conducted in the Gregory Park area where two illegal guns were seized. Tristan Morgan and a 16-year-old student were charged for illegal possession of firearm.