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Police determining whether licensed gun was used in Waltham murder-suicide

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Superintendent Gary Francis, Commanding officer for the St. Andrew South Police Division
 
The police are investigating whether the perpetrator of a murder-suicide along Waltham Park Road, St. Andrew, Wednesday morning was a licensed firearm holder.
 
The incident left Patrick Gowans and his estranged wife, Roulene Clarke Gowans, dead.
 
They were both correctional officers.
 
It is reported that sometime after 7 o'clock, passers-by saw Mrs Gowans running on Woodpecker Avenue.
 
A man, later identified as Mr Gowans, was seen chasing her with a gun.
 
Mrs Gowans ran onto Waltham Park Road where Mr. Gowans opened gunfire, hitting her in the head. Mr Gowans then turned the weapon on himself.
 
Both died at the scene.
 
The police say a Browning Pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was retrieved from the scene. 
 
They say checks are being made to verify whether Mr Gowans was a licensed firearm holder.
 
Mr Gowans was assigned to Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Remand Centre, while Mrs Gowans worked at Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre.
 
Help was offered
 
The Department of Correctional Services said counselling was offered to the couple.
 
However, Dexter Thompson, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer for the Department, said the couple did not seek further psychological support. 
 
Mr. Thompson said the murder-suicide involving the two correctional officers had nothing to do with their job but was a love affair gone wrong.
 
It is alleged that Mrs Gowans decided to end the relationship but this was not accepted by Mr Gowans.
 
Support 
 
Personnel from the Community Safety and Security Branch and the Chaplaincy Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are offering support to persons affected by the incident.
 
Superintendent Gary Francis, Commanding officer for the St. Andrew South Police Division, in which Waltham Park Road is located, urged persons involved in conflicts, and particularly domestic disputes, to seek help. 
 
"There are many, many persons and agencies and institutions that can help. Don't keep it, but we ask that persons reach out to a friend, a brother or institution in dealing with these issues, especially those of domestic nature. We'd want them to resolve without persons being hurt and even the loss of life," he insisted. 
 
He said the police have two domestic violence intervention centres in the Corporate Area - at the Constant Spring and Matilda's Corner police stations.
 


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