Eight Shot, One Fatally, at Wake for Reggae Artiste Chris Martin’s Grandmother in St. Catherine

St. Catherine, Jamaica — A wake held in Point Hill, St. Catherine, for the late grandmother of reggae artiste Chris Martin was marred by violence early Wednesday morning when gunmen opened fire on the gathering, leaving seven people injured and one person fatally wounded.

The tragic incident occurred around 2 a.m., as attendees gathered to pay their respects. The gunmen reportedly invaded the wake, indiscriminately firing shots before fleeing the scene on foot. The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been confirmed, and the condition of the injured persons remains unclear.

Adding to the tragedy, one individual who was not at the wake but reportedly a few metres away was also struck by gunfire and succumbed to their injuries.

The wake was intended to honor the memory of Martin’s grandmother, a woman known for her strong faith and dedication to her community. However, the shocking act of violence has cast a pall over what was meant to be a solemn occasion of remembrance.

Chris Martin, in a statement posted on his Instagram account, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and condemned the violence that disrupted his family’s mourning. He emphasized the need for peace and urged the community to support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting, and there is an appeal for anyone with information to come forward. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the ongoing issue of gun violence in Jamaica, particularly in communities that should be places of safety and solace.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DI GAFFA🇯🇲 (@iamchrismartin)