The Tribune

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

THREE murders occurred within less than 24 hours this weekend, marking a bloody start to February and a trend that has left police concerned, Superintendent Joy Bosfield told The Tribune yesterday. There were also three non-fatal shooting incidents this weekend. All three are in hospital with two listed in serious condition.

When asked if police are concerned about this recent spate of murder, Supt Bosfield said: “Yes, it will be a concern. It’s a concern that we only had three in total for January, and then. in 24 hours we had another three.”

However, she added there’s “no sign of connection” between the three killings.

Around 11pm on Friday, a man was shot outside a bar on Miami Street, off Cordeaux Avenue. Around 3am Saturday, another man was shot off Rosedale and Mackey Streets. Shortly before 7am Saturday, a third man was shot off Fritz Lane. All three men were pronounced dead at the crime scenes.

According to Supt Bosfield, the first two victims were in their 30s and the last was in his 20s.

She added all three victims were known to police but said police don’t have any “exact suspects” at this time.

The killings brought the country’s murder count to six for the year.

In the first incident, shortly before 11pm on Friday, a man was standing outside a bar on Miami Street, off Cordeaux Avenue, when he was approached by a group of men, police said. One of these men was armed with a firearm, shot the victim and fled.

In the second incident, shortly after 3am on Saturday, police arrived at Rosedale and Mackey Streets after receiving reports of a man being shot. Officers found the man with injuries to his body. Paramedics were called to the scene and attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.

The police noted the deceased had been in an altercation with two men when he was shot, according to “further reports”.

The third incident happened shortly before 7am on Saturday. A man was walking on Fritz Lane off East Street when he was approached by the occupants of a grey vehicle, “who opened fired on him, hitting him about the body before speeding away”. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In reference to the non-fatal shootings, according to police, the first occurred shortly after 9pm on Friday, at New Hope Drive, Joan Heights.

The victim was “approached by a male on a bicycle, who produced a firearm and shot him, before speeding away.”

Shortly after 2am on Saturday, police responded to Patton Street and Rupert Dean Lane, Bain Town, after receiving reports that a man had been shot and was transported to hospital.

“Reports are that the victim was sitting in his vehicle in front of his home, when occupants of a blue Honda vehicle opened fire in his direction, hitting him, before speeding away,” police said.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist with these investigations to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2, Crime stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.