44 killed over 14 days, murders down 14%

Twenty-four murders were recorded in Jamaica over the seven-day period of July 6 and July 13, the latest serious crime statistics by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate.

The list, which is usually updated at the start of the week, shows that as at July 13, the country recorded 626 homicides, up from 602 on July 6.

This follows another week of bloodshed prior to and after Hurricane Beryl where 20 people were murdered between June 29 and July 6. 

The category four storm swept across Jamaica on July 3.

According to latest murder statistics, this category of crime has declined by 14 per cent year-on-year when compared to the similar period in 2023.

As at July 13, some 103 fewer homicides were committed across Jamaica.

The St James police division recorded a triple murder last week pushing up the total homicides to 78, leading all 19 police divisions. 

Westmoreland, 59, St Andrew South, 52, St Catherine North, 46, and Kingston Eastern 37 round out the top five most murderous divisions.

Across all divisions, shootings have decreased by one per cent, injured persons decrease by five reports, rape is down 32 per cent, robbery is down 15 per cent and break-ins down seven per cent. 

- Andre Williams

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