Two killed as cops probe Commodore massacre

A police operation across two St Catherine divisions on Thursday left two men dead and two illegal guns off the streets, as the police ramp up their investigation into last weekend's massacre in Commodore, Linstead.

The shooting claimed five lives, including a four-year-old, and left four others nursing gunshot wounds. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who heads Area 5, the operations in St Catherine North and South on Thursday were part of a larger, intelligence-driven response to that gruesome incident.

"The first incident took place in Nollis, Bog Walk, and the second in Grange Lane. Based on our investigations so far into the multi-victim shooting that took place in Commodore, it led a police team this morning into the Nollis area, where the joint police-military team was confronted by a man armed with an M16 rifle," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Phillips said officers were forced to take "evasive action" when the man aimed the weapon at them. He was later taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The rifle, a magazine, and ammunition were seized. Not long after, the follow-up operation in Grange Lane saw another deadly encounter.

"In a connected operation, the police team intercepted a vehicle travelling along Grange Lane Road with several persons aboard," Phillips explained. "The team was again confronted by a man who was also in that vehicle. A handgun was seized, and that man was also taken to hospital, where he later died."

Phillips confirmed that several other men escaped from the vehicle.

"The initial report is that several persons ran from the vehicle, but we were challenged by one person who was left behind," he said.

While being careful to not share sensitive details, Phillips stressed that the two incidents are directly linked to the Commodore investigation.

"I just want to say that the investigations into what took place in Commodore are ongoing. There's still information I cannot divulge, but these two incidents are connected, and we intend to carry out several other operations to arrest the persons involved in that cruel and awful act," he added.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has since imposed curfews in sections of Linstead and surrounding communities.

"We want residents, especially in the Linstead area, to understand that they might see increased police action inside there," Phillips said. "These operations may affect other communities in the St Catherine space, but rest assured, the JCF will continue its investigations. We're appealing for the continued support of the public during this time as we seek justice for the victims." The police said that both shooting incidents have been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations.

Thursday's seizures add to what police say has been an aggressive year for weapon recovery. Up to October, the JCF has seized more than 720 illegal firearms, compared to 650 during the corresponding period in 2024. More than 40 of the guns are high-powered rifles.