‘I don’t know him as a violent person’ - Pastor says alleged Goldsmith Villa don was man of peace

A minister of religion was among dozens of persons who yesterday reacted with shock to the killing of alleged Goldsmith Villa don Marvin Markland.

The 36-year-old Markland, popularly known as 'Papa', was killed during what the police described as a shoot-out with cops in his St Andrew community.

Head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, told THE STAR that Markland was "a very top-tier member of the Goldsmith Villa gang and his past is very colourful in terms of criminal enterprise and activities".

However, Reverend Ronald Lewis, from Redeeming Bible Ministries, said that he did not know Markland as a violent person.

"He is a person I'm counselling with," said Lewis as he stood near the police yellow incident tape near the shooting scene in the community yesterday.

"I had a session with him up to last week, spent the time on his roof and we spent quality time. Our Labour Day project, he was a part of it, and so it is very sad from what I'm hearing, if it's him," Lewis said.

"He told me that he is the area leader and he is trying to get the youth together and we decided to work with the youths, and we were doing a fine job. I don't know him as a violent person, I know him as a peaceful young man, he speaks with wisdom [and was] enthusiasm for peace in this community. I've not seen no war where this young man is concerned," the clergyman added.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has begun its probe into the matter. INDECOM, in a media release, said its team was advised that Markland was shot and injured during a confrontation with members of the security forces in the area. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the scene.

A woman, who identified herself as Markland's sister, said that she has never known him to be a criminal or don.

Some residents said that Markland's death was unnecessary for as the community has had a constant period of peace.

Darrington Ferguson, councillor for the Papine Division, said that he was displeased with how some lawmen treated residents. He claimed that one woman recorded lawmen entering her home without a warrant shortly before Markland was killed.

"We're not afraid for the police to carry out their duties. We don't want them to share their intelligence, but what we are saying, we are commanding and demanding professionalism. It cannot be that one law go for Cherry Gardens and one law for the people down here," Ferguson said.

INDECOM said 54 persons have been shot and killed by members of the security forces since the start of the year. Police data indicate that 474 persons have been murdered in Jamaica as of May 27.