In a brazen assault that defied heightened security measures, Spanish Town’s March Pen Road became the scene of a fatal Christmas Day shooting, resulting in the deaths of two local residents. The incident occurred despite visible police reinforcements in the St. Catherine community, raising serious concerns about persistent gang violence in the area.
Authorities have identified the victims as Shaniel Myers, a 30-year-old bar operator, and Shamar Hall, 28, both residents of the troubled March Pen Road vicinity. According to official reports, the tragedy unfolded approximately at 6:00 PM when multiple armed assailants stormed a local gathering and opened indiscriminate fire.
Eyewitness accounts indicate Hall succumbed to his injuries immediately at the crime scene, while Myers managed to flee approximately to a nearby churchyard before collapsing. Both victims were transported to the Spanish Town Hospital where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.
In a related development hours following the initial shooting, police patrols intercepted a group of armed individuals who allegedly engaged law enforcement in a violent confrontation. Preliminary reports suggest one suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange, though his identity remains unverified pending formal notification of relatives.
This recent violence continues a disturbing pattern of retaliatory killings that have plagued March Pen Road since the alleged assassination of a local gang leader earlier this year. Security analysts note this incident represents at least the third murder attributed to ongoing factional disputes between rival gangs in the community.
The Christmas Day shooting has intensified calls for more effective crime intervention strategies as residents report deteriorating security conditions despite official promises of increased police presence.