ANOTHER man is dead after a shooting in Montell Heights last night, making him the sixth person killed in five days.
According to police, the latest incident happened shortly after 8pm at Lincoln Boulevard South, Montell Heights. On arrival at the scene, officers found a man’s body on the ground with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said police were told that a group of people were gathered outside a home when a gunman approached and fired shots in their direction, fatally wounding the victim.
Police have not released the man’s identity.
Since December 30, 11 people have been murdered.
Last night, ASP Peters was asked if police had uncovered any connection with the country’s most recent homicides.
“I’m being told by the senior investigator that we’re still doing our victimology to try to confirm these connections,” he said. “We do understand that there is some speculation on the streets that these incidents may be gang-related, however we have not fully confirmed those assertions and so until such time we will go where the evidence leads us.”
Last year’s murder count of 74 killings represented a 21 percent drop compared to the 94 killings recorded in 2019. The reduced murder count came in a year filled with coronavirus-related restrictions on movement and curfews. A 10pm curfew is still in effect for several islands, including New Providence.
Asked to respond to the public’s fears about safety, ASP Peters urged people in communities where criminal activity is prevalent to give the necessary information to police.
“With respect to safety, the whole country, everyone is responsible for the safety of each other. The bottom line is everyone has to take responsibility for each other, so we appeal to individuals who may know of individuals who are brandishing firearms in their community to call the police. “And we have had that instance where individuals are calling the police and we’re going to places, conducting searches and finding these firearms and putting these persons before the court. It seems as if there is a barrage upon us in this new year, but I want to assure the members of the public, do not be discouraged.”
He said police are determined to bring these matters to justice and asked for the public’s patience while they conduct investigations.
“Your police department has taken on this yeoman’s task and we are out, resolute in our efforts to search out these communities, search out these culprits and in due course, with all conviction these individuals will be brought to justice.
“I want you to bear in mind, ladies and gentlemen, we’re not out there seeking to make a media headline. We’re here to bring the appropriate person with the appropriate evidence to get a conviction at the end of the day and a sense of justice.”
Anyone with information on this shooting or any other crime is asked to call police at 502-9991/2 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477)..
Comments
John 3 years, 2 months ago
Right now murder in this country is more deadly than Corona. And because it targets young, productive males it can cause more devastation if not brought under control.
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