Nine shot, five fatally, in Commodore in Linstead, gang conflict may be behind attack - Police

The police are reporting that a gang conflict may be behind Sunday night's brutal mass shooting in Commodore in Linstead, St Catherine, which left five people dead, including a four-year-old, and four others nursing gunshot wounds.

According to police reports, around 8:45 p.m., the victims were at a premises commonly referred to as 'Big Yard' playing games when armed men, dressed in police fatigues, entered the compound.

The men reportedly shouted "police!” before opening fire with high-powered weapons, hitting all nine individuals.

Five of the victims were pronounced dead at hospital, while four others were admitted.

The deceased have been identified as 4-year-old Shannon Gordon, a student of the Rosemount Primary and Infant School and Orange Park, Charliemount, Linstead; Mario Sullivan, 42, of Rosemount district in Linstead; 19-year-old Jushane Edwards also of Rosemount district, Linstead; 39-year-old vendor Iysha Washington of Rosemont district, Linstead; and 22-year-old security guard Famous Amos of Commodore district, Linstead.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area 5, Christopher Phillips, who visited the crime scene, described the situation as deeply troubling.

“The men parading as law enforcement officers pose a worrying sign,” said Phillips.

He confirmed that investigators are working around the clock to determine the motive behind the deadly attack.

“We have a team of top investigators working to put the pieces together to determine what triggered such an awful incident,” he said, adding that so far, indications are that the incident is a continuation of gang conflict.

Sources at the scene described the killing of the four-year-old as particularly gruesome, noting that she received several gunshot wounds.

Police say the premises where the incident occurred is one they have had reason to visit on numerous occasions.

- Ruddy Mathison

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