Mother who Witnessed Son’s Murder Targeted in double murder on Barbican Road

Kingston, Jamaica – A tragic cycle of violence claimed two more lives yesterday on Barbican Road in St. Andrew, as a woman who reportedly witnessed her son’s murder two months ago became the target of a deadly reprisal attack.

Ashley Makerre, a vocal critic of her son’s killers, was gunned down along with Tresor Rookwood, a customer from Kintyre, Papine, around 1 p.m. on December 5. The two were among three individuals shot by assailants traveling on a motorcycle in the Andrews Pen community, a long-standing hotspot for gang violence.

Makerre’s son is set to be buried on Sunday. His alleged killer, Demar ‘Bully Beef’ Grinham, remains at large and was recently named in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) ‘Wanted Wednesday’ campaign.

Investigators believe yesterday’s double murder is linked to a broader pattern of reprisals. Authorities theorize that it stems from the killing of 36-year-old taxi operator Deshawn Newry, who was shot on November 15 near Rousseau Primary School in the St. Andrew South Police Division. Newry reportedly had ties to the Andrews Pen community.

“She [Makerre] was very vocal about her son’s killing, hit out at the killers, and refused to leave the area, despite knowing she was a target,” a senior investigator revealed

Andrews Pen has been plagued by years of gang-related violence, prompting the establishment of a makeshift police post at its entrance. “I did three years there on static duty. It was our unofficial post—hurricane, sun, earthquake—we had to be there to quell gang violence,” a police officer recounted.

With a nine per cent increase in murders and a three per cent rise in shootings year-on-year as of November 30, the St. Andrew North Police Division continues to grapple with escalating violence. Enhanced security measures are expected to be deployed in the area to prevent further fallout.

Makerre’s murder highlights the ongoing crisis of violence against women in Jamaica. Her killing comes during the 16-day global observance of awareness of violence against women, which runs from November 25 to December 10.

As the nation mourns yet another act of senseless violence, law enforcement authorities are urging community members to provide any information that could assist in apprehending those responsible for the attack.