‘Snowman’ and ‘Bands’ face multiple charges for Cherry Tree Lane massacre

Twenty-eight-year-old Dushane Smalling, otherwise known as 'Snowman' of North Street, May Pen, Clarendon; and 32-year-old Leighton Whyte, otherwise known as 'Bands', are facing multiple gun charges following the shooting death of eight persons in the parish on Sunday, August 11.

'Snowman' and 'Bands' have been charged with eight counts of murder, eight counts of wounding with the use of a firearm, shooting with intent, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

According to police reports, at approximately 8:45 p.m. on the day of the incident, a party was being held in the community of Cherry Tree Lane in Clarendon when armed men traveling in a motor car stopped and exited the vehicle, brandished firearms and opened gunfire on the crowd before escaping the area in the said motor car.

The police were summoned, and on arrival, several persons were seen with multiple gunshot wounds. They were taken to the hospital, where eight persons were pronounced dead.

On Tuesday, August 13, Smalling and Whyte turned themselves into the police with their attorney. They were subsequently charged on Wednesday, August 22, after a question and answer session.

A court date is being finalised.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.