Cops hunt gunman who murdered higgler in front of wife, kids
WESTERN BUREAU – Investigators from the Montego Bay Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) say they are searching for the gunman who last Saturday murdered 48 year-old Nathaniel “Biggs” Powell in front of his common-law wife and three children outside the family home in Hendon, Norwood.
“I am not able to say much about the incident right now as I have not received enough information at this time,” unit head, Superintendent John Morris, told the Observer.
He was also unable to say if the police had identified a suspect.
According to police reports, Powell, his spouse and three children were sitting in his white Toyota pick-up truck parked in front of their home at approximately 9 pm Saturday night when the lone gunman struck.
The gunman opened fire, hitting Powell five times. Powell ran from the motor vehicle into his yard where he collapsed and died.
His common-law wife and children ran and escaped unhurt.
On Sunday, residents were tight-lipped about the incident. But after much nudging, one youngster gave our news team directions to the murder scene.
“One man dead up there last night. Me see them pass with him pick-up with some goat inside,” was all he was prepared to say.
A trail of bloodstains lead from the road on to Powell’s yard. There was no one at home. The doors and windows were closed.
Powell’s murder brings to 87, the number of people killed in the parish since the start of the year.
Morris told the Observer that Powell’s case is the first gun-related one to come across investigators’ desks since the St James Crime Unit (SJCU) was formed last month.
“Since the establishment of the Crime Unit, about a month ago, there has been domestic murders recorded in the parish, but this is definitely the first gun related murder,” Morris remarked.
The SJCU was established in response to an upsurge in criminal activities, especially murders, in Glendevon, Norwood and Rose Heights. The unit comprises approximately 20 cops from the Area One Division, which incorporates St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover.
