Vendor Fatally Shot During Armed Robbery in Banana Ground, Manchester

Manchester, Jamaica – The Manchester police have launched a probe into the murder of a man during an early morning armed robbery at his home and bar in the usually quiet community of Banana Ground.

The deceased has been identified as Omar Allen, a vendor. Reports are that shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, Allen heard strange noises coming from the bar adjoining his home, which is operated by his spouse. When he went to investigate, he was shot by gunmen who were allegedly attempting to rob the establishment.

Allen was later pronounced dead, leaving his family and community in shock.

His brother, Christopher Allen, described the incident as traumatic, noting that the family is still grieving another relative who was laid to rest just last week.

“It’s hard. We buried one already, and now this,” said a visibly shaken Christopher Allen. “This community nuh used to these things.”

Residents say the killing has disturbed the peace of Banana Ground, a community not known for violent crime.

Meanwhile, Mario Mitchell, councillor for the Bellefield division, has expressed concern over the recent spate of killings in the parish.

“We’re seeing too many lives being lost in a short space of time. The community is frightened, and urgent intervention is needed,” Mitchell said.

Allen’s killing comes on the heels of two other homicides in Manchester this week. On Thursday morning, 26-year-old dancer Brittania Francis, also known as ‘DHQ Chicken’, was shot and killed at a bar in Richmond. That same afternoon, 37-year-old Klane Farquharson was fatally stabbed during a dispute with a fruit vendor in New Green.

Police investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.

Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to contact the Manchester Police, Crime Stop at 311, or the nearest police station