Murder toll now 415, homicides still down 42 per cent

Ten murders were committed in Jamaica last week, bringing the national homicide toll to 415 as of August 9.

The data is contained in the latest serious crime statistics published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force on Sunday.

This represents a 42 per cent decline in murders year-on-year.

At this time last year, 297 more people had been murdered.

The St Andrew South Police Division continues to lead all 19 police jurisdictions in homicides, with 50 murders recorded.

This is followed by St James with 36, St Ann and St Catherine South with 35 each, St Catherine North with 33, and Westmoreland with 26.

In one of the latest killings, the spouse of a policeman was shot and killed on Saturday at about 8:50 p.m. near Reading, St James.

The policeman and his son were also shot in the attack and were hospitalised.

The child has since died.

In other statistics, shootings, injuries, and rapes have also declined.

However, robbery and break-ins have increased by 11 and 24 per cent, respectively.

Overall, reported crimes are down by 17 per cent.

- Andre Williams

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