17-y-o among those killed in confrontation with cops

A White Toyota Isis became the centre of attention along Orange Street and at the junction of Kings and Charles streets in Kingston yesterday as it was involved in a confrontation between men and the police.

The deceased have been identified as 17-year-old Daniel 'Liza' Rose of Mark Lane, Romaine 'Bones' Lewis of King Street, 19-year-old Steven Rochester, carpenter of Love Lane and 44-year-old Garnel Jackson of a New Haven, Kingston 20 address. A policeman was reportedly injured.

According to official police reports, the incident began around 1:30 a.m. when law enforcement officers patrolling the area responded to reports of gunfire on Orange Street. Upon arrival, they were met with a barrage of bullets exchanged between the suspects and the police. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed, and six armed men emerged, who confronted the lawmen. In the ensuing firefight, the assailants were fatally shot, while five illegal weapons were recovered, two M16 rifles and three 9mm pistols.

"When a gunman and gunman a war mi nah come out but because a police mi come out come look," one alleged witness said. Amid the bloody scene, talk swirled about Rose. He was described as a 'gyalis' and alleged to be involved in criminal activities.

"Him tormented, everybody know him," said one resident. "Him did very jumpy and fi him name always a call up."

Speculation also arose about the influence of local gang leaders, with some suggesting that Rose had disregarded warnings from higher-ups.

"Dem tell him nuh fi go through with nuh war with the other man dem from down suh," remarked a source close to the investigation. "But him go behind the don back and tek up the tool dem. To me it's like Liza was leading the pack." The Independent Commission of Investigations is probing the matter.