ST JAMES, Jamaica – A taxi operator was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to a shooting incident in Montego Bay, St James last month.

Charged is 25-year-old Renaldo Linton, otherwise called ‘Short Boss’ of Pitfour, Retirement in the parish.

Linton was charged with the May 20 murder of 31-year-old Ramone McFarlane, otherwise called ‘Brown Man’ of Industry district and 27-year-old Iyahdeh Gooden, otherwise called ‘Siva’ of Estuary Scheme, both in St James.

Reports from the Barnett Street police are that about 3:20 pm, McFarlane and Gooden were travelling in a Toyota Probox motorcar and on reaching the intersection of Harbour Street and Union Street, they were pounced upon by unknown assailants, who opened gunfire hitting them.

Lawmen on duty in the area heard the explosions and went to investigate. On their arrival, two men were seen fleeing the scene. The police gave chase and were able to apprehend Linton.

The wounded men were transported to the hospital, where both men were pronounced dead.

An investigation commenced and Linton was charged on Saturday, June 3 following consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while another man was taken into custody. However, his identity is being withheld pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, the police are asking two men, who are suspected to be a part of the shooting, to report to them immediately. The men are known by the aliases ‘Mojo’ and ‘Keno’, both of Pitfour, Granville in the parish.