OSBOURNE STORE, Clarendon — A dark cloud now hangs over the Swansea district in Osbourne Store as residents mourn the murder of popular businessman Winston 'Charlie' Dawkins.

Dawkins, 68, who operated Kansas City Entertainment Centre and a wholesale in the south west Clarendon community, was found Tuesday night lying in a pool of blood in front of a chicken coop at the back of his business place, where he also lived.

He had reportedly gone to check on his nephew, Richard Dawkins, who he thought was taking an "unusually longer time" to tend to the chickens than he usually does. A relative said, upon reaching the coop, Charlie found his nephew being held up at gunpoint.

It is not clear what transpired next, but family members said "several shots were heard" and Charlie was later "found dead, lying face down".

When the Jamaica Observer visited on Wednesday, Richard Dawkins was being questioned by officers from the Clarendon police, but relatives were quick to dispel the notion that he was in any way linked to his uncle's murder.

"He loved his uncle gone to bed, but because he was the last person to see him alive they are just asking him some questions," said Geraldine Dawkins, sister of the slain man.

Yesterday, Dawkins was described as a model citizen by relatives, employees, and neighbours who gathered at his house.

His niece, Danielle Blackwood, said her uncle was "well loved in the community". "He is missed by everyone," she told the Observer.

"He was a hard-working, honest, helpful, law-abiding citizen. He was a good person," added Geraldine Dawkins, who said she last saw her brother on Sunday.

"My brother and I are very close," she said. "The last time I saw him alive was on Sunday afternoon after I drove down from Mandeville to see him, because we would see each other sometimes three times per week."

An employee, who only gave her name as Rochelle, said Dawkins was a "generous" boss.

"He was jovial," she added. "He would give you everything in the shop. That's the kind of person he was, so I didn't expect anybody to do this to him."

"Trust me, Charlie was a good man; the best," added another woman, who said she was scheduled to resume work next week. "Everybody benefit from him, especially the children."

The Clarendon police are continuing their investigation.