Revenge-seeking gang responsible for Denham Town cop's murder - police

The police have now confirmed that a criminal gang based in west Kingston has ordered the deaths of four police personnel as revenge for the killing of its leader.

Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Criminal Investigation Branch, Assistant Commissioner Ealan Powell, has revealed that police constable Lynden Barrett was killed as a result of that threat.

According to Powell, the threat was issued after the leader of the Strikers Gang, Ricardo Medley also known as King, was killed in a police operation in the Denham Town community in May.

However, the CIB head says investigators do not believe that woman constable Crystal Thomas was killed as result of the threat.

Thomas and Barrett, who were assigned to the Denham Town Police Station, were shot and killed by gunmen in separate incidents one week apart in west Kingston last month.

Powell says since the gang has acted on the threat, the Police High Command has taken steps to keep its members safe, especially those who work in west Kingston.

Powell says investigations are ongoing in both cases.