The police believe that an ongoing gang feud may have been the driving force behind Sunday night’s deadly mass shooting in Commodore, Linstead, St. Catherine, which left five people dead including a four-year-old girl and four others injured.
Reports indicate that around 8:45 p.m., a group of people was gathered at a premises known as Big Yard, where they were playing games, when several armed men dressed in police uniforms entered the area. The attackers reportedly shouted “Police!” before unleashing a barrage of gunfire from high-powered weapons, striking all nine individuals present.
Five victims were later pronounced dead at hospital, while four remain hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The deceased have been identified as:
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4-year-old Shannon Gordon, a student of Rosemount Primary and Infant School, from Orange Park, Charliemount;
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42-year-old Mario Sullivan, of Rosemount district, Linstead;
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19-year-old Jushane Edwards, also of Rosemount district, Linstead;
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39-year-old vendor Iysha Washington, of Rosemount district, Linstead; and
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22-year-old security guard Famous Amos, of Commodore district, Linstead.
Assistant Commissioner of Police for Area 5, Christopher Phillips, who visited the crime scene, described the incident as “deeply troubling.” He expressed concern about the gunmen disguising themselves as law enforcement officers, calling it a dangerous development.
“We have a team of top investigators working to piece together what triggered such a horrific act,” Phillips said, adding that preliminary findings suggest the attack is linked to an ongoing gang conflict.
People at the scene said the murder of the four-year-old was especially disturbing, as she reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Police also confirmed that the premises where the attack occurred is one they have had cause to monitor and visit on several previous occasions.