LONG BAY, St James – Members of a family plagued by murder are now thinking about leaving their community after two relatives were gunned down and their house gutted by fire Wednesday night. When the smoke cleared from what residents of Long Bay have described as a minutes-long barrage of gunshots, 16-year-old student Neo Samuels and 22-year-old labourer Gregory Forbes were dead. They are said to be brothers of another man slain last year.

“Is not baby shot them that!” one resident, who asked not to be identified by name, said of Wednesday’s late-night gun attack.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that armed men kicked off the back door to the house, entered the men’s respective bedrooms and opened fire, hitting them. Both later succumbed to their injuries. Samuels was a student at St James High School.

A police source told the Jamaica Observer that at least one high-powered rifle is believed to have been used during the onslaught on the family members. A spent shell from an M-16 assault rifle was reportedly found beside blood from Samuels’ head. A number of similar bullet casings were found at the scene, including where Forbes’ body was discovered, the source said.

There are reports that the assailants tried to gain access to another section of the house where several female family members were housed but left after their efforts proved futile. This has left family members scared and unwilling to speak with the media.

One resident who claimed to know both of the slain men said they seemed be well-behaved.

“The older one don’t really come out the house,” the resident remarked.

Wednesday’s incident, which took place about 11:00 pm, follows last year’s slaying of the brothers’ older sibling. Residents told the Observer he was shot and killed a few metres from his gate as he ran from his pursuers. It is unclear if the incidents are connected but residents have hinted at gang conflict within the community.

While not confirming that gangs are behind Wednesday’s killings, a police source said other deaths in the community have been caused by feuding factions.