‘Anxious’ Bobby Lane angered over ‘Bald Head’ killing

The small community of Bobby Lane in St Catherine was yesterday thrust into turmoil following the controversial killing of Vernon Campbell, popularly known as ‘Bald Head’.

Campbell’s grieving mother described her son as a peaceful, football-loving young man who was targeted and killed in cold blood by the police.

According to the bereaved mother, Campbell and others were celebrating recent football victories on Bobby Lane when tragedy struck.

“Dem in di lane a drink and a buy Kentucky and eat when police come inna the lane and put everybody against the wall – he and his two brothers – and then they draw him ‘round a corner and give him pure head shot,” she recounted tearfully.

“Bald Head nuh suppose to dead so. I can put my head on the block for him. Him love football, him a girls’ man and a footballer. Bald Head nuh deal with gun,” she added, weeping over her son’s untimely death.

Police account disputed

The police reported a starkly different version of events. According to a statement from law enforcement, Campbell was acting suspiciously when approached during a routine patrol. They alleged that Campbell drew a firearm and fired at officers, prompting them to return fire. He succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the hospital.

However, Campbell’s death has ignited outrage among residents, who vehemently dispute the police’s account. Protesters blocked roads with burning debris, demanding justice and transparency in the investigation.

Senior Superintendent of Police Hopeton Nicholson, commanding officer for the St Catherine North Police Division, and St Catherine Central Member of Parliament Andrew Wheatley intervened to de-escalate tensions.

Nicholson assured residents that a thorough investigation involving the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and police internal investigators was under way.

“I came here at the request of the residents, and I assured them that the necessary investigations will be carried out,” Nicholson stated. “I also made it clear to them that blocking the road is against the law, and we do not want that kind of police-citizen confrontation.”

Nicholson warned residents that any further breaches of the law would lead to arrests but encouraged lawful protest and cooperation with investigators.

Wheatley, who arrived early at the scene, expressed condolences to the community and called for cooperation with the investigative process.

“The community is very much anxious and saddened by the killing of Vernon Campbell. I knew Vernon for almost 20 years, and, normally, I would not find myself out here when there is a shooting incident involving the police,” Wheatley said.

“Unless I am seriously mistaken, I don’t know him to live a life of crime, and this is why the community is so anxious,” he added.

Wheatley appealed for calm and urged residents to provide any information to INDECOM and police investigators to ensure the truth is uncovered.

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