MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The St Elizabeth police say that Anward ‘Kirkie’ Hinds, who is linked to the brutal killing of four farmers in the parish in May, made his first appearance in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate’s Court today, following his capture earlier this month.

He is reportedly answering to charges of murder for the quadruple killing in Claremont, St Elizabeth, and shooting with intent for shooting at police in another incident.

Hinds was remanded when he appeared in court and is scheduled to return on September 10.

Police say Hinds is about 26 years old and is believed to be the leader of a gang, creating unease in the parish.

The intense search for him involved a joint police/military operation and a $1-million reward for anyone who assisted in his arrest.

Police intelligence reportedly resulted in his capture at a house in Hatfield, Manchester, on July 10 where it took “some time” to remove him from the ceiling.

According to police reports at the time, it is believed that Hinds has association with a drugs-for-guns dealer and may have been en route to Haiti.

Investigations have reportedly continued to confirm his possible connection with other crimes in the parish.

Alicia Sutherland