Adrian Frater, News Editor

Police officers (in blue denim and khaki uniforms) plead with residents of Rose Heights, St. James, yesterday during a demonstration in that community. The residents are accusing the police of having a hand in an incident in which four persons were shot dead in their community. - Photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU:

Tears of anguish and protest rocked Rose Heights in Montego Bay for a second straight day yesterday, as news spread that another victim in Monday night's controversial shooting in the community had died in hospital - bringing the number of those killed to four.

The latest victim has been identified as 32-year-old Junior Smith of Rose Heights. Smith reportedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds when men allegedly wearing police-style denim, marked bulletproof vests and armed with M16 assault rifles invaded a popular hang-out spot and opened fire.

The other murder victims are 40-year-old construction worker Derrick 'Mampy' Hyatt; Anthony 'Duggu' Mowatt, a 28-year-old footballer, and Ian Holder, a 35-year old labourer. Two other persons remain in hospital.

The residents, who on Tuesday mounted fiery roadblocks and accused the police of committing the brutal crime, were at it again yesterday.

This time, in addition to the roadblocks, residents waved placards with messages such as, 'Police brutality', 'Police gunmen' and 'We need Mark Shields' as they vented their frustration at the policemen, who were at the scene attempting to clear the blocked roadways.

"We are imploring the residents to take whatever information they have in regards to the shooting incident to the police high command," said Inspector Ralph Medley, who was in the area.

"I can guarantee you that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and action will be taken against those who committed this act."

Distrust of the Montego Bay Police

However, the residents have expressed a basic distrust of the Montego Bay police and are seeking the intervention of the police hierarchy, in particular Deputy Commissioner Mark Shields, to meet with them.

"We respect Mr. Mark Shields and we believe he will listen to us and ensure that we get justice," commented well-known community personality, Inez Smith.

"Mr. Shields is not the type of person to cover up wrongdoings by the police."

In the incident, which occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. Monday, a silver/brown Nissan motor car with four men, believed to be in their forties, drove up to a group of men playing ludo. Three of the occupants reportedly exited the vehicle and identified themselves as police.

Without provocation, it is said that the men opened fire on the group killing Mowatt and Hyatt on the spot. Four persons, including deceased Holder and Smith, were taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where Holder died while undergoing treatment.