St James’ most wanted killed in shootout
TWO MEN – one of St James’ most wanted and another believed to be one of his cronies – were killed yesterday morning when they allegedly engaged the police in a fierce gunfight in the Chelsea section of Irwin, which is located on the outskirts of Montego Bay.
The dead gangster, who the police identified as 19-year-old Donrick ‘Taliban’ Campbell, was being sought by the police for several murders and shootings in the parish. The other man was identified as 21-year-old Owen Jenkins.
While not openly celebrating Campbell’s death, several police officers made it clear that they would not be among those shedding tears for Campbell, who they had been trying to track down for several months without luck.
“This Taliban has been giving us a warm time,” said a police officer, who asked not to be identified. “A lot of us will sleep more comfortably tonight.”
According to the police, shortly after 4 a.m., a joint police-military team went to Chelsea in search of Campbell, who they had tracked to the community.
Upon approaching a particular house, they came under heavy gunfire from a group of heavily armed men, who were seen running into nearby bushes. The gunfire was returned, and during the exchange, Campbell and Jenkins were killed. Two firearms were reportedly seized.
INDECOM INVESTIGATING
When The Gleaner visited the location four hours after the incident, investigators from INDECOM were seen collecting statements from alleged eyewitnesses.
“This is the 10th fatal shooting [by the security forces] in St James since the start of the year, and we have a duty to investigate these incidents,” said Errol Chattoo, director of complaints at INDECOM West. “Our investigators are investigating all 10 cases. As to this latest incident, I am not in a position to comment at this time.”
Chattoo, nonetheless, noted that there has been a reduction in fatal shootings by the security forces in St James this year. He said that during the comparative period last year, the parish had 16 fatal shootings.