WESTMORELAND, Jamaica —The police say two wanted men who were held on Saturday morning during a police/military operation in Whithorn, Westmoreland are responsible for ongoing mayhem in the area that has so far left a dozen people dead.

READ: Two wanted men captured in Westmoreland

According to police sources, a deadly gang feud between two warring factions has been brewing in Shrewsbury, Logwood and Ancho district. These communities are both in the Whithorn policing area.

The feud, the police said, stems from a June 2021 conflict involving a female companion of one of the captured men. At least 12 people are dead as a result. The police are also probing four cases of wounding with intent and five instances of shooting with intent.

Among the murders is the June 18 slaying of 45-year-old taxi operator, Conroy ‘Luta’ Carter in Logwood.

Reports are that about 9:00 pm residents heard explosions and summoned the police. On their arrival, Carter was found in a Toyota Voxy motorcar. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Then on June 24, a man was shot and killed at a wake in Whithorn. He was identified as 23-year-old window maker, Derron Gayle of Ancho district.

The police later named Shalando ‘Bull’ Manning and Trevaughn ‘TJ’ McDonald in connection with criminal activity in the area. They were featured in the police force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign.

Manning was wanted for murder, wounding with intent and illegal possession of firearm while McDonald was being sought for wounding with intent and illegal possession of firearm.

They were captured during a cordon and search operation in Logwood district about 5:00 am on July 2.

– Kimberley Peddie