A police operation in St. Catherine on Sunday resulted in the deaths of three men, including a 17-year-old, after what authorities describe as an armed confrontation in the March Road area.
Those killed have been identified as 17-year-old Justin Somers and Cory Somers, both of March Pen Road in Spanish Town. The third man’s identity has not yet been confirmed.
According to reports, around 3:50 p.m. on April 5, police officers on patrol received information about armed individuals in the community. Acting on the tip, a team proceeded on foot into an area known as “Africa,” where intelligence suggested gunmen were inside a house.
Police say that upon approaching the location and identifying themselves, two men ran from the premises. One reportedly escaped, while the other allegedly fired at the officers. The police returned fire, hitting the individual. A 9mm pistol was said to have been recovered.
Investigators further reported that when officers entered the house, two additional men were seen inside. One of them allegedly pointed a firearm at the police, prompting officers to take cover and open fire. Both men were shot during the exchange, and a .38 revolver was reportedly seized.
All three injured men were transported to the Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The incident has heightened concern, coming just days after another fatal police shooting in Browns Hall, where three unidentified men were also killed during a reported confrontation.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched investigations into both incidents as scrutiny grows over the fatal encounters.