National Security Minister hopeful of breakthrough in probe of Linstead mass shooting

 

Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang is confident that the police will soon make a breakthrough in the investigation into Sunday's deadly mass shooting in Commodore, Linstead. 

 

The Major Investigations Division (MID) is leading the probe into the shooting which has shaken the community. 

 

Speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Dr. Chang said the police have had some success in the gathering of information into the circumstances which led to the attack that left five dead and four wounded. 

 

"They had some strong leads up to yesterday afternoon. I wouldn't want to go into any details just now, but they have good intelligence that points them in a certain direction. They continue to investigate intensely and I expect some response today, but I wouldn't go further than that at this point in time," the minister disclosed.

 

Two children are among the victims. 

 

The police have said gang conflict is suspected to be behind the shooting. 

 

The government has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest and charge of the perpetrators.

 

Professional counselling services are being provided to the grieving families and other residents of Commodore, Linstead as they reel from the shock of Sunday's attack. 

 

Witness accounts of the incident are that residents in a tenement yard were surprised by men pretending to be members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who then opened fire indiscriminately. 

 

Dr. Chang said the affected individuals will receive psychosocial support that will attend to their mental, emotional and social needs.