Mandeville mourns slain cop - Two suspects to face ID parade as search continues for others

Two of four men held in the immediate aftermath of the murder of Corporal Melvin Smith in Mandeville, Manchester, just over one week ago are to face an identification parade shortly.

Head of the Manchester police, Superintendent Wayne Cameron, made the announcement last Thursday during a ceremony to honour the slain cop.

According to Cameron, four suspects were held following the attack on the cop on October 27, but two were subsequently released.

Still in custody is a resident of Kemps Hill, Clarendon, and another from Old England, Manchester.

"We know that there are at least two other players. We are searching for a man that may have driven a white motor car, taking them away from the scene, and a man that was in their company 20 minutes before the shooting," said Cameron.

He said the police have been receiving significant help from the community and the investigators will not rest until the killers are brought to justice.

Members of the Mandeville community underscored their support for the cops as they flooded the Cecil Charlton Park last Thursday.

TRIBUTES TO SMITH

Key stakeholders in Mande-ville, including the political representatives, members of the private sector, and academia joined senior members of the police force in paying tribute to Smith.

"Even in the midst of getting a minimal salary, working in a deplorable condition, Corporal Smith gave of his best to his colleagues and the citizens of Jamaica," said executive member of the Police Federation, Arlene McBean.

She urged residents to come forward and tell the cops what they know of criminal activities.

"None of us is exempt from crime and violence. The secret you keep about criminals, the bloody clothes you wash for your cousin, you are preparing to be the next victim," added McBean.

Member of Parliament for North East Manchester Audley Shaw, in his address echoed the sentiments, with a greater call for community cooperation in the fight against crime.

President of Northern Caribbean University, Dr Lincoln Edwards, used his address to announce that it will be assisting the daughter of the slain cop.

"That is one burden we should take away from the family. Northern Caribbean University will be establishing a scholarship fund in honour of Corporal Smith so his daughter will have the education he always wanted her to have," said Edwards.