KINGSTON, Jamaica— Investigators are theorising that Thursday evening’s fatal drive-by shooting in Trench Town was the result of a conflict between rival gangs Buckaz and Fatherless which are based in the area.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Michael Phipps, Head of the Kingston Western Division said detectives of the Major Investigations Division (MID) believe the shooting, which left two people dead and five others, including a 10-year-old boy, hospitalised, was carried out by members of the Fatherless Gang in reprisal for the murder of a high ranking gang member.

“We believe that this was carried out by members of the Fatherless gang in reprisal for the murder of a top-tier Fatherless gang member who was shot and killed in August of this year,” SSP Phipps stated.

SSP Phipps reported that Thursday’s shooting occurred around 7:30pm when a motor vehicle with gunmen drove into the Third Street area of Rema and opened gunfire at the people who were along the roadway.

Seven people were shot and injured and were rushed to the hospital where two people were pronounced dead and the others treated and hospitalised.

The deceased have been identified as Desmore Mckenzie, otherwise called ‘Nico’, and Romaine Maragh, otherwise called ‘Coolie’, both of Third Street addresses.

READ: Seven people shot, two fatally, in Trench Town

SSP Phipps in his report named three people who investigators believe can assist in the investigation. He also assured residents in Trench Town that the police are using “all necessary means” to find the gang members.

“We are currently trying to locate Pepe, Shamar and Juju. These persons we believe can assist the MID in our investigations. In the meantime I want to reassure the citizens of Rema that we will intensify our efforts and use all necessary means to locate these gangsters and all others who are involved in this conflict,” SSP Phipps said.

He is also appealing to residents who may have information to share with the police.