KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a wake held in Point Hill, St Catherine for the grandmother of renowned reggae artist Chris Martin took a tragic turn, resulting in a fatal shooting incident. Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, revealed that the violent event was the outcome of an internal gang conflict, primarily rooted in disputes over scamming money.
“Initially, the information we received indicates that the perpetrators were embroiled in a quarrel over the disbursement of scamming money,” Dr. Chang disclosed, emphasizing the internal nature of the gang’s operation. He commended the quick response of the police, who have already identified several suspects and apprehended a notable portion of them. “There are two main suspects they are targeting; one of them is already in custody,” Dr. Chang mentioned.
The devastating shooting occurred around 2:00 am during the wake. Seven attendees sustained gunshot wounds, while one additional individual, located a few meters away from the event, was killed. This incident has cast a pall over the community and has deeply affected Chris Martin and his family.
In a conversation with Observer Online, Minister Chang highlighted a critical oversight in the lead-up to the tragedy. The police were not informed of the wake, an event that was expected to attract significant public attention due to Chris Martin’s presence. “When high-profile activities like this are happening, the police need to be informed. Unfortunately, they only became aware of the wake after the incident occurred,” Dr. Chang stated.
He called on the community to foster better cooperation with law enforcement agencies. “Ensuring public safety requires everyone’s participation. We urge citizens to inform the police of any gatherings or activities in advance. Our goal is not to disrupt entertainment and cultural activities but to ensure they are conducted in a safe manner,” he implored.
The tragic outcome of the gang dispute has underscored the persistent issue of gang violence in the area and highlighted the importance of community engagement with law enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Dr. Chang reassured the public that the police are actively tracking down all individuals involved and making strides in their investigation.
This somber event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of communication between communities and police authorities to safeguard public events and prevent future tragedies.
