17-y-o alleged contract killer among four charged in dozen murders

A 17-year-old accused contract killer is among four males reputed to be members of a Clarendon gang who have been charged with murder and illegal possession of firearm.

The teen, who cannot be named because he is a minor, is charged alongside George Robinson, Travis Harding, and Franklin Miller, all of Clarendon addresses.

The quartet, who appeared before the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Wednesday, has been implicated in the murder of 12 people.

The prosecution is alleging that Robinson, Harding, and the teen were involved in contract killings and reprisals executed in the south Clarendon communities such as Sedge Pond, Lionel Town, Haysfield, Raymonds, and Springfield.

Three firearms - two Smith & Wesson revolvers and a Beretta pistol - form part of the battery of evidence.

The four were held during an intelligence-based operation following allegations of robbery.

The court heard that, on March 30, 2021, the police intercepted a motor vehicle in which the accused teen, George Robinson, Travis Harding, Steven Williams, and Travis Gilman were onboard.

Gilman was sentenced on September 22 to 210 years, including 30 years at hard labour, after pleading guilty to his involvement in 11 murders.

Gilman, according to the prosecution, ensured that contract killings ordered by the leaders of the Clarendon-based Bloods Gang were carried out.

The 38-year-old was not the triggerman in any of the killings, according to investigators.

His roles included hiring the hitmen, purchasing guns for the gang, driving contract killers to their intended targets, and ensuring that they were paid.

The police reportedly recovered two Smith & Wesson firearms in the motor vehicle in which the men were travelling.

The court heard on Wednesday that one of the Smith and Wesson revolvers and the Beretta pistol were used in several of the crimes.

The Beretta was seized during a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this year.

Miller is accused of contracting persons in two reprisal killings.

A fingerprint order was made against all accused, except the teen.

They were further remanded until February 9, 2022.

The prosecution is to complete its file on or before January 31, 2022.

Full disclosure is to be made to defence counsel by February 4, 2022.

Tom Tavares-Finson, QC, is representing Miller, while Tameka Harris has been assigned by the court to represent the 17-year-old.

Robinson and Harding have not settled on representation but advised the court that they would have an attorney by the next sitting.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com