Couple Shot Dead in Mountainside, St. Elizabeth

St. Elizabeth, Jamaica — A quiet morning in the typically peaceful community of Mountainside, St. Elizabeth, was shattered by a tragic double murder early Friday. A couple was fatally shot in Mango Walk Lane, leaving residents in shock and authorities scrambling for answers.

The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. as the couple was reportedly leaving the lane. The female victim, identified as a craft vendor who sold her goods at the Montego Bay Craft Market, was being assisted by her common-law spouse when gunfire erupted. Neighbors, alarmed by the sound of gunshots, discovered the bodies and immediately summoned the police.

Upon arriving at the scene, the St. Elizabeth police, led by Superintendent Coleridge Minto, found the woman’s lifeless body lying face down on the road. The man’s body was discovered some distance away, hidden in the bushes.

Superintendent Minto confirmed the incident, expressing deep concern over the shocking nature of the crime. He emphasized that Mountainside is not known for violence and has been a relatively crime-free community, with no major incidents reported in over a year.

“This is a community that is not known for violence. In fact, we haven’t had any major crime in this community for over a year now,” Minto stated, highlighting the unusual nature of the crime in the area.

The gruesome double murder has left the residents of Mountainside deeply unsettled, as they are unaccustomed to such violence. Superintendent Minto has issued a public appeal for any information that could assist the police in their investigation. He urged anyone with knowledge of the incident, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact the authorities.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have any information at all on this gruesome act to share it with the police,” Minto urged, encouraging residents to reach out through the police emergency number 119, Crime Stop at 311, or the Black River police station.

As the investigation continues, the community of Mountainside remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and a return to the tranquility they once enjoyed.