Taxi man accused of cop’s murder

Ornell Allen, 32, otherwise called 'Nellie', a taxi operator of Westmore Gardens, Spanish Town, St Catherine, has been charged with the murder of 47-year-old police corporal Christopher Smith, of Caymanas Bay, St Catherine.

The incident occurred at the intersection of East Avenue and Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5, on December 6. Reports from the Half-Way Tree police are that about 10:52 p.m., Allen and his accomplices were carrying out a robbery at a Texaco Gas Station, during which Smith drove his private motor car to the petrol station to purchase fuel. While he waited to be served, he was attacked, robbed and shot several times. Smith was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while being treated.

An investigation was launched, and Allen was later apprehended and found to be in possession of the Toyota Wish motor car that was used in the commission of the crime. He was subsequently charged following a question-and-answer session. In addition to murder, he was also charged with conspiracy to murder, six counts of robbery with aggravation, possession of prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition. His court date is being finalised.