‘Coolie-Bap’ charged with alleged murder of plumber on Nelson Mandela Highway

A court date is being arranged for 24-year-old Nicholas Bhalai, otherwise called 'Coolie-Bap,' who has been charged with the June 11 murder of 34-year-old plumber Dominick Grant along the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine.

Bhalai, a labourer from Ferry district in Kingston 20, faces multiple charges, including murder, robbery with aggravation, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition.

The Central Village police say that around 1:00 p.m. on the day of the incident, Grant and a relative met with Bhalai and two other men posing as buyers for a 2017 Suzuki motorcycle valued at $500,000. During the meeting, the men allegedly pulled handguns, robbed Grant of the motorcycle, and opened fire, hitting him multiple times.

Bhalai reportedly fled the scene on the stolen motorcycle, while another suspect escaped on the relative's motorcycle and the third fled on foot. Grant was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following investigations, Bhalai was positively identified by an eyewitness on June 30 and was formally charged on July 2 after a police interview conducted in the presence of his attorney.

Police are continuing their search for the remaining suspects.

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