Broadgate residents mourn killings

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

A NIGHT of fun with friends and relatives turned tragic for 40-year-old Claire Bourne, who was among five persons shot, three fatally, at a bar in Broadgate, St Mary, on Thursday night, following a gunfight with two licensed firearm holders and gunmen.

Among the victims are Lawrence Palmer, a 53-year-old farmer of Zion Hill, Richmond, St Mary, and an unidentified man believed to be about 40 years old. The injured persons were taken to a hospital where they have been admitted in serious condition.

At least eight persons have been murdered islandwide between Thursday and yesterday. This has pushed the number of persons slain since the start of the year to more than 472. The gun has been used in more than 400 of the killings, while the police are yet to establish the motive behind 315 of the cases.

In Thursday night's incident, The Gleaner understands that Miss Bourne had accompanied friends to meet another friend at the cruise ship pier in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

On their return, they contacted Palmer, a long-time friend, and the group made arrangements to stop at a popular bar in Broadgate. A report by the Constabulary Communication Network said the shooting occurred about 8:10 p.m.

It said the patrons were at the bar when they were pounced upon by gunmen who opened fire at the group. The fire was returned by two licensed firearm holders who were in the bar.