Hanover trio presumed dead after ambush

WESTERN BUREAU:

Three of four men who were lured to the March Town community in Green Island, Hanover, yesterday to purchase a motorcycle are now missing and presumed dead while a fourth man has been hospitalised with multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators from the Green Island Police Station have launched a search for the missing men, who were reportedly greeted with gunfire after walking into an ambush by the men with whom they were to complete the transaction.

The search was abandoned at nightfall but is to be resumed this morning.

According to police reports, shortly after 1:30 p.m., the quartet was directed by the alleged sellers to meet up at a particular location, where the attackers opened fire.

The injured man was assisted to the hospital, where he was treated and admitted in serious condition.

The police found the two motorcycles abandoned at a location.

“We have searched several sections of the community, but we were unable to find the men, so we will be continuing the search at first light in the morning,” a police officer, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said.

The incident comes just a day after a fisherman was found murdered inside his home in Sandy Bay, Montpelier. The deceased was identified as 43-year-old Delroy McKenzie. He was last seen alive on Sunday afternoon.

Hanover is one of three western parishes currently under a state of public emergency.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the SOEs in St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland, alongside those in Clarendon, Kingston East, St Andrew South, and St Catherine, will be extended until July 25.