Businessman and suspected robber found dead in St Elizabeth

The bodies of a businessman and a suspected robber were discovered in the Glencoe Housing Scheme in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, on Sunday evening, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The deceased have been identified as 65-year-old businessman and licensed firearm holder Melvin Blythe, otherwise called ‘Tuta’, of Beadles Drive, Santa Cruz, and Romel ‘Cow Man’ Johnson.

According to the police, Blythe was last seen alive at his business establishment on Saturday. 

The bodies of both men were reportedly seen at the back of the establishment about 6 p.m.

The Gleaner gathered that numerous unsuccessful attempts were made by a relative to locate Blythe and checks were later made at the business establishment.

There, they discovered both men lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. 

They were transported to the Black River Hospital, where they were pronounced dead by a doctor.

Police said Blythe’s licensed firearm was recovered at the scene and seized for forensic examination.

The Gleaner understands that Johnson is known to the police.

Investigators are probing whether Johnson was attempting to rob the businessman when the fatal confrontation occurred. 

The St Elizabeth Criminal Investigations Branch is investigating. 

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