Three people, including a woman who was reportedly preparing to bury her mother, were shot and killed during a police operation in Bog, Westmoreland, on Monday night, sparking outrage among residents and prompting an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
The incident occurred sometime after 8:00 p.m. The deceased are Carlene Henry, a 45-year-old woman, a man only known as “Chicken,” and Kenroy Russel, a 48-year-old farmer.
According to residents, the female victim had been purchasing tiles for her mother’s grave and was only days away from laying her to rest when the fatal shooting occurred.
Police have reported that the three individuals were killed during an alleged shoot-out with officers. However, several residents have strongly disputed that account, claiming the victims were shot in cold blood.
The police reported that an AK-47 Rifle was retrieved along with 7 rounds of ammunition.
Their allegations have fueled growing calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
In response, INDECOM has confirmed that it has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal police operation.
The incident has also reignited public debate over the use of body-worn cameras by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Critics argue that body cameras could provide crucial evidence during fatal police encounters and help build public trust.
The calls come after Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang previously stated that officers confronted by armed criminals must “shoot to kill.”
He has also said that body-worn cameras are not currently a priority, maintaining that the public should have confidence in official police reports.
According to available figures, 178 people have been killed by the police between January and July 28 this year, representing a slight decline compared with the same period last year.
INDECOM’s investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
More information to come as the story develops.
