DUNCANS, Trelawny — There is a new twist in the investigation into the murder of eight-year-old British national Imani Green, who was gunned down at a shop in Red Ground in Duncans, Trelawny last month.

The probe into the much-publicised murder is leading investigators overseas, from where, according to a highly placed Jamaica Observer police source, the masterminds reportedly sent money to hire an assassin to take down an individual who was expected to be at the shop.

However, the police insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the ‘hit’ went awry after the triggerman went on a shooting rampage which left the little girl dead and three adults, including two women, injured.

Three days after that horrific attack, Xavier Lewis, a Duncans resident, was also shot and killed in another brazen shooting just metres from the Duncans Police Station.

Investigators have firmly linked his death to the deadly Red Ground attack. Lewis is believed to have been killed as a result of the botched assassination attempt. Police investigators say he is also suspected of being one of the persons who collected money sent to hire the shooter who botched the Friday, January 11 attack at the shop, leaving the British girl dead.

One man has subsequently been charged for Lewis’ murder. However, no one has been arrested in connection with the British schoolgirl’s killing. The police have said that they are working assiduously in their pursuit of the triggerman.

The shooting in Duncans, which led to the deaths of the little British girl and Lewis, is said to have its roots in a feud which had already caused a violent confrontation and a series of domestic disputes.

Duncans, a small bustling town through which a section of Highway 2000 passes, is said to have been named in the 1700s after its founder Patrick Duncan.

In recent years, the tight-knit community, which is bordered by a number of other small communities, including the exclusive resort areas of Silver Sands and Duncans Bay and the popular Carey Park and Crawle, has seen a burst of construction with several housing developments and business entities being established.

Duncans boasts, among other things, a post office, police station, basic and primary schools, a library, several churches, a newly constructed petrol station, as well as recently constructed plazas. The small town is also known for its vibrant nightlife.

However, in the wake of the shootings, residents have been gripped with fear, resulting in a downturn in economic activities, particularly at nights.

Imani Green was laid to rest on Sunday, January 27 in Duncans following a thanksgiving service held at William Knibb Baptist Church. Among the multitude of mourners were public officials including junior minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade Arnaldo Brown.

The young girl’s murder, which was highly publicised in the local and international media, attracted howls of condemnation.