Cabbrina Lennox, Gleaner Writer

RETREAT, St Mary:

FAMILY AND friends are mourning the death of Courtney George 'Lenky' Ellis, who was shot and killed Monday morning at a party in Retreat, St Mary

According to police reports, about 12:58 a.m., Ellis was at a family member's birthday party when he was called away by two men. He went to relieve himself when one of the men pulled a gun and fired shots, hitting him five times. He died on the spot.

Charmaine Henry, sister of the deceased, said her brother was a fun-loving person. She said he attempted to dance with them just minutes before the incident took place.

"Me and my brother, we were all at the party by the river and he was coming around asking us for dance, and we keep pushing him away and telling him that him must go and look some other woman to dance with, so afterwards he left and … later mi hear like gunshots start to fire," Charmaine said.

Family members said Monday's fatal attack was the third attempt on the 34-year-old construction worker's life.

Ellis' mother, Deloris Darman, said he was not a troublemaker.

"That boy, I love him. Him resemble me. Mi love him. Dem neva fi kill him so at all, man. Just give him five shots so?"

Ellis' younger brother, Miguel, described him as a hard worker.

"Courtney was a good guy, him don't make a lot of trouble, him like to make his little money. I don't know what happened but I just lost my brother. I can't tell you how mi feel right now, but I'm hurting inside right now. I just hope them find who is responsible, said Miguel."

The St Mary police have not established a motive. Investigations are still ongoing.

rural@gleanerjm.com