SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth – A 35 year-old truck driver, Wayne Lewis, is to appear in the Black River Resident Magistrates Court on May 8 charged with the gun murder of a woman said to be his close friend, 40 year-old Ann Marie Campbell.

Locals believe intoxication was the real cause for the gun shot which killed Campbell, a Black River bar operator. She died in the Black River Hospital on April 22, four days after being shot at her bar in Black River.

Police investigators say that on the evening of April 18, Lewis was among patrons at Campbell’s bar at the bus park on Market Street in the town. At about 7:15pm Campbell reportedly attempted to take the photograph of a man who was beside Lewis.

Allegations are that Lewis then pulled his licensed firearm and pointed it at Campbell. An explosion was heard and Campbell was found to be nursing a gunshot wound to the upper chest.

She was rushed to hospital where she eventually succumbed.

Police say Lewis who was badly beaten by patrons at the bar, also had to be taken to hospital under police guard.

He was unable to attend court last week reportedly because of his injuries.

Reports reaching the Observer are that immediately after Campbell was shot, a seemingly intoxicated Lewis ran to hug her crying “Ann, duh nuh dead, whoiiee!”

– Garfield Myers