MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A second victim has died following a targeted shooting at a local bar in Land Settlement near Royal Flat on Saturday afternoon, marking the latest episode of violence in a community already traumatized by recent tragedies.
Damien Edwards, 21, known locally as “Damie” from Melrose Gardens, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds while receiving medical treatment. His death follows that of Yakieni Shaw, 30, a farmer from Comfort district also known as “Yankee,” who was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
According to police reports, the incident occurred approximately at 3:50 pm when both men were at a neighborhood bar. Witnesses described a vehicle approaching the establishment, from which an armed assailant emerged and opened fire on the victims without warning. The gunman delivered multiple shots before fleeing the scene in the waiting vehicle.
The Land Settlement area remains under intense police scrutiny following the February 8 tragedy that claimed the life of four-year-old Saniyah O’Brien, who was killed alongside her father in a separate shooting incident. While investigators have not established a definitive motive for Saturday’s double homicide, multiple investigative theories are being actively pursued.
Detectives from the Manchester Police Division are conducting forensic analysis and reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Community members have expressed growing concern over the escalating violence, with local leaders calling for increased police presence and community intervention programs.