MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Manchester are actively working to reassure residents and business owners regarding community safety following a series of four homicides occurring within Mandeville and adjacent localities over a 48-hour period.
Superintendent Carey Duncan, commanding officer of the Manchester Police Division, addressed media representatives during a community engagement walkthrough along Green Street this Wednesday. Preliminary investigative findings indicate the violent incidents appear connected to personal conflicts rather than random criminal activity targeting the general public.
“Our assessment points toward targeted events arising from interpersonal disputes that are manifesting in specific patterns,” Superintendent Duncan explained, referencing the most recent homicide Tuesday evening in the neighboring Cedar Grove community.
Emphasizing the police presence and commitment to public safety, Duncan stated: “This walkthrough demonstrates our solidarity with community members. We recognize the current challenges facing residents and are fully engaged in addressing these security concerns.”
The police superintendent confirmed detectives are pursuing active investigative leads, noting: “Our intelligence operations are guiding specific investigative directions. We anticipate significant breakthroughs in these cases imminently.”
Duncan reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining Manchester as a secure environment, particularly with approaching holiday season activities: “I previously provided assurances that Manchester would remain a safe destination for commerce and holiday gatherings throughout the Yuletide Season. That commitment stands.”
During the Green Street operational activity, law enforcement officials detained three individuals for questioning and further processing in connection with their investigations.
The police response follows earlier violent incidents in the parish, including a recent shooting that resulted in three casualties, one fatal, underscoring the ongoing security challenges facing the region.