Cops charge man in connection with New Year’s Day murder

AS the police continue to intensify their operations in August Town, St Andrew, following the recent outbreak of gang violence in the area, they are reporting that they have arrested a man in connection with a recent murder.

According to a release from the constabulary’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), detectives say the investigation into the death of 34-year-old Omar Johnson of Payton Place, August Town, has led to the arrest of 32-year-old Marvin Markland.

Markland, otherwise called Papa, is a businessman of Goldsmith Villa. He has been charged with murder, illegal possession of firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition, the release said.

His court date is being finalised, CCU said.

Markland was charged after being interviewed in the presence of his lawyer on Saturday.

According to the release, Johnson was killed about 8:00 am on January 1.

He was reportedly walking along a road in his community when he was pounced on by men armed with high-powered rifles, who shot him several times.