Manchester, Jamaica – One of eight inmates who escaped during a jailbreak on June 19 at the Black River police station lock-up in St Elizabeth was fatally shot during a confrontation with the police in Downs, Manchester on Saturday morning.

Residents named the deceased as Dean Simpson, a resident of Turner Top in St Elizabeth. He was in custody for robbery with aggravation. Senior police sources said Simpson is also suspected to have been involved in several armed robberies and murders committed in Manchester in recent weeks.

Residents of Downs say Simpson was a known troublemaker in the community.

“At least we can have some peace of mind going into Christmas,” a resident said.

A police source said about 1:00 am, there was a confrontation between Simpson and the police near a nightclub reportedly held up by Simpson. Police responded and Simpson reportedly opened fire. The gunfire was returned and he was hit. A firearm was seized.

He was pronounced dead at hospital.

In recent months, two other escapees were recaptured. They are Richard Brown and Kenneth Stewart. Another escapee, Alrick Hutchinson was found dead in September.

Those remaining at large are 31-year-old Oral Cole, from Comfort Hall, Manchester; 34-year-old Anward Hinds from Maroon Town and 25-year-old Jevaughn Simms from Copperwood, both in St James; and Demar Williams from Gravel Heights in Spanish Town, St Catherine.