Two in custody in relation to Kidd Lane triple murder

By Clinton McGregor 

  

 

The St. Andrew South Police say progress is being made in the investigation of Friday's triple murder and arson attack along Kidd Lane in St. Andrew. 

 

This was disclosed by Senior Superintendent Damion Manderson, Commanding Officer of the division.

 

Thirty-year-old Lashane Ellis, her infant son, and 39-year-old Kimiesha Gibson were killed in the attack which has sparked public outrage. 

 

The police had listed 11 men as persons of interest in connection with the incident. 

 

During a tour of the community on Monday, Superintendent Manderson said two of those listed are now in custody. 

 

"They are to face the necessary interviews with our detectives and at the end of it, the public will be made aware as to the outcome. So we are appealing to the others who have not yet turned themselves in, who have not yet interfaced with us, that they should do the right thing, do the honourable thing," he pleaded, urging the nine other individuals to report to any of the hundreds of stations across the island. 

 

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mark Golding also toured the community on Monday and called for the police to bring back calm to the area. 

 

According to Mr. Golding, members of the community have been left traumatised by the deadly arson and gun attack.

 

"It's a terrible situation and you know, I'm a neighbouring MP, so I felt - apart from my role as Leader of the Opposition - I felt I should come and just show some solidarity with the community, you know, because it must have been a very traumatic experience for everybody with a little child and a mother being killed in a fire caused by marauding gunmen and another neighbour shot dead. It's a terrible situation," he lamented.

 

"I'm hoping that the police can get on top of this. I think it definitely requires the presence of the police on an ongoing basis so that any further action that might arise as a result of what took place can be forestalled," suggested the Opposition Leader. 

 

Mr. Golding bemoaned that many Jamaicans continue to live in fear despite the reduction in murders and other major crimes.

 

"So, it's a very dismal situation and it just reflects the fact that even though our murder statistics have improved, you know, Jamaica is still not a safe place for many, many people and it's sad because I know the police have been trying hard to get on top of things. But there's still more work to be done," he asserted.