Woman killed, daughter shot in home attack
Published:Thursday | December 15, 2022 | 1:13 AMHopeton Bucknor/Gleaner Writer
A St James woman was killed at her Mount Carey home on Wednesday and her daughter injured after gunmen forced their way inside the house and opened fire at the occupants.
Fifty-three-year-old Melvalyn Cross was killed in the incident, which took place in a section of the community called York Bush.
Police reports indicate that about 10:30 a.m., Cross was at home with relatives when the attackers barged inside and opened fire, hitting her and her daughter.
Cross’ youngest son and her daughter -in-law reportedly ran from the house during the attack and were chased by the men.
The police were summoned, and upon their arrival, it was discovered that Cross had been shot to death.
Her daughter, who was also shot multiple times, was rushed to a medical facility, where she was admitted in critical condition.
A joint police-military team launched a search of the area in a bid to locate the young man and the female who had fled the house.
After more than two hours of searching, Cross’ son was found hiding in bushes with minor injuries.
Her daughter-in-law had managed to make her way to the adjoining community of Anchovy, through rugged terrain, where she was assisted by the police and reunited with her family.
Mount Carey residents told The Gleaner that Cross is the mother of Anthony Angus who had been named a person of interest by police investigators probing a double murder in York Bush over two months ago.
Residents are hoping that the police will step up their presence in the area, which remains tense.