The police have charged a second man over the shooting at the wake of reggae artiste Christopher Martin's grandmother in Cudjoe Hill, St Catherine.

Twenty-year-old bus conductor Javauhn Dwyer, otherwise called 'JT, is charged with seven counts of wounding with intent, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, using a firearm to commit a felony, and gang-related offences. 

The police say Dwyer, who is from the area where the incident happened, was charged after he turned himself in.

He was one of several men named as persons of interest following the shooting.

Dwyer's court date is yet to be determined.

Previously charged is 23-year-old construction worker Junior Coleman, of Tredegar Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Coleman was charged with multiple offences, including murder, wounding with intent, possession of prohibited weapons, and gang-related activities.

Seven people were injured in the August 24 attack, while 34-year-old Oniel Spencer, alias Tarus, was fatally shot in a separate but related incident.

Meanwhile, Commander of the St Catherine North police, Acting Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson, who confirmed Dwyer's arrest and charge, also reported a 25 per cent reduction in murders in the area since the start of the year.

The division, he said, has recorded 59 murders when compared to 79 for the corresponding period last year.

- Ruddy Mattison

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