The Major Investigation Division (MID) is currently probing a double murder that occurred in Mount Salus, St Andrew, on Tuesday night. Authorities are exploring the possibility that stolen illegal firearms served as the motive for the killings.
Kimani ‘Smuggle’ Hyman, a bar owner, and Romario Trail were the victims of the shooting. According to residents, Trail may have been an innocent bystander.
Reportedly, attempts were made to convince Hyman to return a gun prior to the deadly attack. Residents who spoke with The Gleaner indicated the issue originated from another parish and police division. One resident, who requested anonymity, said,
Him never did fi dead. Him innocent.
According to the same resident,
Di man dem tell him say run back the strap dem and nuh make things get out of hand. Him and the man dem did a link, and him tek the man dem things and nah give di man dem nuh good talk. Dem say dem must kill him, him mother, and his brother.
Another elderly resident recounted,
A yesterday his (Hyman’s) daughter graduate from the primary school out there so and him go and support her. No sooner than when he returned and went to his shop, dem come kill him … . People a go say if dem never mix up them family wouldn’t dead. We don’t want the violence around here, we nuh use to it.
Police report that the St Andrew North Police Division has seen a 43% reduction in murders as of June 28. Seventeen murders were reported, contrasting with thirty during the same period in 2024. Further, police indicate that shootings, injuries, and rape reports have decreased. However, robberies and break-ins have increased in the area.
A senior police investigator stated law enforcement is pursuing strong leads, including the defiance to return illegal guns. Police presence is expected to increase in the area. The Mannings Hill district address is the scene of the ongoing investigation.
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