PORTLAND, Jamaica — Two brothers have been taken into police custody for questioning in relation to the fatal stabbing of a man in Orange Bay, Portland on Wednesday.

Dead is 37-year-old labourer Leighton “Zeeks” Biggs from Lennox District, Orange Bay in the parish.

According to eye-witness accounts, Biggs was allegedly stabbed during a dispute over distribution of funds earned on a job. While complaining to his uncle about being unfairly treated, one of the brothers allegedly approached Biggs and an argument ensued. They were then joined by the second brother and the argument continued.

It is said that Biggs’ uncle went inside his house and shortly after saw Biggs running towards him, bleeding from a wound to the left side of his chest. The injured man was rushed to the Annotto Bay Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

In addition to the wound on his left, there was also a ratchet knife inside a wound above his navel.

Biggs’ death brings the parish’s murder total to seven since the start of the year. This is two more than the corresponding period last year.

The incident comes less than a week after Superintendent of Police in charge of Portland, Lloyd Darby appealed to citizens to amicably solve disputes. He was speaking during the monthly meeting of the parish’s municipal corporation where he stressed that he and members of his team are there to help.

– Everard Owen