Cops hoping CCTV cameras can identify suspects in Clarendon businessman's murder
Published:Monday | June 11, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
The police are maintaining an "open mind" as they investigate the murder of Clarendon businessman Brandon Murray at the Mayfair Hotel in St Andrew on Sunday. In addition, they are hoping that closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras located at the premises can lead them to the killers.
Murray, 47, a restaurateur, was brazenly murdered on the compound of the hotel by unknown assailants at around 4:45 p.m.
Deputy Superintendent Winston Hunt of the Half-Way Tree Police Station told The Gleaner yesterday that the investigation spanned several parishes.
"The scene was revisited Monday morning and we basically did neighbourhood investigations and appealed to anyone with information pointing to suspects. What I can tell you is that there are [recording] devices. We have made requests to see if those devices were up and running at the time of the incident," Hunt disclosed.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed because we have seen on occasions where even though there are cameras, there are technical challenges," he said.
"The investigation is not confined to the Mayfair Hotel. We have to look at the Clarendon neighbourhood in which he resided and we have to look at the area in which he worked, too. We are keeping an open mind," Hunt said.
Yesterday, Sport Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange expressed shock at the tragic passing of Murray, who was co-founder of Sporting Central Academy football club.
"Brandon contributed to the development of football in Jamaica, first as a player, football club owner, and as the person best known for the rehabilitation of football fields in Jamaica. I pray for his family and loved ones at this time," Grange said in a statement.
Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon Mike Henry also expressed condolences on the passing of the businessman, which has plunged the Clarendon business community into mourning.