Suspect of Clarendon mass murder shot dead by security forces

One of the suspected gunmen who killed eight people and injured nine others in Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, Clarendon on Sunday evening was shot dead in a confrontation with security forces on Wednesday.

The deceased is Steve Smith, aka “Thicka” or “Fly Brain”.

A joint press release from security forces on Wednesday afternoon said Smith was suspected of being involved in numerous other contract killings and other serious crimes in Clarendon and other communities.

In addition, Smith was wanted by police in May Pen for murder and was of interest in several other murder investigations.

According to reports, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Clarendon Operational Support Team (OST) went to a location at the Osbourne Store, Clarendon, relatively close to Four Paths, to search for Smith and other men suspected of involvement in Sunday's mass killings and shootings.

According to reports, an altercation ensued in which Smith was shot and injured.

He was taken to May Pen Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The incident was reported to the independent investigation commission (INDECOM).

The nation is still reeling from news of the Cherry Lane massacre, in which eight people were killed, including a seven-year-old pupil from Four Paths Primary School and three women.

Five men have so far been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the brutal attack.

To prevent reprisals, the government declared a state of emergency in Clarendon on Wednesday.