Police still pursuing leads in Cherry Tree Lane mass shooting case
Published:Thursday | August 7, 2025 | 8:32 PM
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says almost a year after the tragic Cherry Tree Lane murders in Clarendon, the investigation remains active, with the police pursuing additional leads.
Three days after the August 11, 2024 shooting, one of the alleged perpetrators, 23-year-old Steve Smith, otherwise called 'Thicka', of Osbourne Store, Clarendon, was fatally shot during an alleged confrontation with the police.
Two additional suspects were arrested and charged on August 21, 2024, with eight counts of murder, eight counts of wounding with the use of a firearm, shooting with intent, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
In a media release on Thursday, the JCF said it was reaffirming its commitment to securing justice for the victims and their families as the one-year anniversary of the incident approaches.
The JCF said forensics are being analysed in pursuit of any additional leads in the case.
In the meantime, the police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to call Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, or the nearest police station.
On August 11, 2024, about 8:45 p.m., a group of men in a Toyota motor car drove up to a birthday party in the Cherry Tree Lane community and opened fire on the attendees.
The police were alerted, and upon their arrival, they saw several individuals with gunshot wounds.
These victims were taken to the hospital, where eight were pronounced dead, including a seven-year-old child; others were treated for their injuries.
The shooting claimed the lives of 57-year-old Errol Stewart, 50-year-old Lawrence Francis, 40-year-old Margaret Bonner, 32-year-old Jermaine Boothe, 26-year-old Cavel Daley, 20-year-old Diamond Bennett, seven-year-old Aiden Bartley, and Courtney Messam.
The accused in the case are 33-year-old Leighton Whyte, otherwise called 'Bans' of Havana Heights, Clarendon; and 28-year-old Dushane Smalling, otherwise called 'Snowman' of North Street, Clarendon.
The case was last heard in the Home Circuit Court on May 29, 2025.
Both accused remain in custody, and the next mention of the case is scheduled for November 6, 2025.
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