The Tribune

By RIEL MAJOR

NINE days after welcoming the birth of his son, the country’s latest murder victim was shot dead at Potter’s Cay Dock.

Loved ones paid emotional tribute to the victim, identified only by his first name Jamal on social media yesterday, including his girlfriend Dellie Rolle who said her grief was like nothing she had ever felt before.

Police were called to Potter’s Cay Dock shortly after 8pm on Sunday after receiving reports that a man had been shot.

At the scene, Superintendent Shanta Knowles said: “This man was patronising a business establishment here at Potter’s Cay Dock when he was approached by another man armed with a firearm who shot him before running away. We are appealing to members of the public, especially those who were here during the time of this incident who may have seen what happened or who may have information that can identify the person responsible to please give us a call on our Crime Stoppers line, 328-8477.”

On Facebook, Ms Rolle wrote that her boyfriend was killed nine days after becoming a new father. She described him as a loving, kind-hearted person who was judged harshly because of his “gold teeth” and love of motorcycles.

“He walked into my life not only accepting me for who I am but also accepting my first son as if he was his biological father,” she posted to her Facebook page. “Many persons didn’t know because their bond was unbreakable no matter what. Jamal provided for (my child) financially, mentally and physically. Jamal was so good at being a father, God decided to bless him with a son that entered this world February 1, 2019. From inception, Jamal placed his son as his first priority leaving nothing for even me to really provide. 

“When JJ came into this world, Jamal never ever wanted his baby out of his sight because he felt as though nobody but him could’ve protected and cared for his child like Jamal Sr. February 10th, my boyfriend, my children’s father, my best friend, one of the loves of my life, my everything was also taken away from his small happy family,” Ms Rolle said. “The pain I’m experiencing is like none other and I just wish I could wake up from this horrible dream (sic).”

One friend described the deceased as a “cool” and “down to earth” guy.

“Mally, if I knew that the last time I would’ve seen you was last year December in my driveway, clowning with the fam, I would’ve hugged you a little bit longer,” the friend wrote. “Per usual, you were always cool and had a down to earth vibe about you. Rest easy bro. I’m gonna miss your smile the most. RIP to a real one.”

Police said four people were murdered over the weekend in separate incidents – three on Sunday and one early Saturday morning. These deaths brought the murder count to 10 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.