News January 27 2026

Charges dropped against two arrested with wanted man Courtney ‘Bloodstain’ Ashley

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The two people who were held along with then wanted man Courtney ‘Bloodstain’ Ashley during a police operation in Phoenix Park, St Catherine have been freed after the prosecution conceded that it does not have sufficient evidence to mount a case against them.

As a result, the charges of harbouring a fugitive, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest were dismissed against Rena Brown and Jabari Bennett.

The prosecution acknowledged that it could not prove that they knew Ashley was a fugitive.

The charge of disorderly conduct was dropped, as it was conceded that such an action must occur in a public space for it to constitute an offence.

The charge of resisting arrest was also dropped.

The decision was handed down by Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle.

When the matter was called up last week, attorney-at-law Davion Vassell had argued that the Crown did not have the necessary evidence to prosecute the two accused.

Allegations were that, on January 12, 2026, the police conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Phoenix Park, St Catherine.

During the operation, Ashley was found at a premises in the gated community.

Two other occupants at the premises were arrested, subsequently questioned, and later charged by the police.

At the time of the incident, Ashley, also known as 'Bloodstain and 'Biggs', was listed as wanted by the police for several crimes, including murder.

The police have accused him of being the leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang in the St Andrew South Police Division.

Ashley has since been charged with murder.

- Rasbert Turner

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