St Catherine man given life sentence for illegal firearm

Twenty-six-year-old Atlee Eric Murray was given the life sentence for possession of a prohibited weapon by the Gun Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday

Additionally, he received a nine-year sentence for unauthorised possession of ammunition.

Murray, who was charged under the new Firearms Act which came into effect late last year, will be eligible for parole only after 15 years.

It is reported that about 9:35 p.m. on December 24, 2022, police personnel were patrolling March Pen Road in Spanish Town, St Catherine, when they spotted a group of men near an area called Big Tree.

Noticing the police, Murray made a sudden attempt to flee the scene. While pursuing, officers observed Murray removing a firearm from his waistband.

After apprehending him, the weapon was identified as a Taurus nine millimetre pistol. Along with the firearm, one magazine containing 13 rounds was also recovered.

Murray was arrested and taken to the Spanish Town Police Station.

After undergoing a formal question and answer session, he was charged and the case was sent to the St Catherine Parish Court.

Due to the severity of the crime, the matter was subsequently transferred to the Gun Court Division of the Supreme Court.

Murray pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced on October 26.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on Twitter @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.