ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Personnel from the Community Safety and Security Branch and the Chaplaincy Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are currently offering support to persons affected by the murder/suicide on Waltham Park Road, Kingston 11 this morning.

The police’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) said the incident left Patrick Cowan and his estranged wife, Roulene Clarke Cowan, both correctional officers, dead.

The Hunts Bay police, who are investigating, say information gathered so far suggests that about 7:10 am, Cowan shot his wife and then shot himself.

It said a Browning 9mm pistol with seven 9mm rounds was retrieved from the scene and checks are being made to verify whether or not Mr Cowan was a licensed firearm holder.

In the aftermath of the incident, Superintendent Gary Francis, commanding officer for the St Andrew South Division in which Waltham Park Road is located, urged people involved in disputes and conflicts, especially domestic issues, to seek help.

Noting that the police have two Domestic Violence Intervention Centres in the Corporate Area, Superintendent Francis said that, “the centres are staffed by trained professionals who can connect persons with additional support systems if necessary, so that these issues do not escalate and end in tragedy.”

The centres are located at the Constant Spring Police Station and the Matilda’s Corner Police Station, both in St Andrew.