ST JAMES, Jamaica – A man was gunned down in Salt Spring, St James on Friday morning, a third murder in 12 hours which has left the volatile community on edge.

He is Anthony Forbes, otherwise called “Plait Up” or “Gummy”, a mason of Flower Hill in the parish.

Reports are that Forbes and his son were at home about 1:10am when armed men forced open the front to their dwelling and opened fire hitting both occupants of the house. The assailants then made their escape.

Forbes succumbed to his injuries at hospital while his son was admitted.

Forbes’ death comes just about 12 hours after a couple was gunned down in the community on Thursday afternoon.

They have been identified as 22-year-old Imani Jarrett of Flower Hill and 30-year-old Odane Smith. Reports are that they were shot after they were dragged from a car by men armed with rifles and handguns about 1:00 pm.

When the police arrived the bodies of both individuals were found a short distance from each other.

During the attack, classes were in session at the Salt Spring Primary and Infant School with reports saying that students and teachers cowered in fear under desks and tables after explosions were.

READ: Double murder in Salt Spring, St James

It is theorised that the target was Smith, who was on murder charge stemming from an incident that took place in Westmoreland in 2020. He was scheduled to appear in court in November on the matter.

Reports as well are that he was a suspect in a murder that occurred in September this year.