WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A 16-year-old waitress was shot dead allegedly by her ex-boyfriend after a male companion accompanied her home from work in Little London, Westmoreland on Saturday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Tara Alecia Dennis of Grant Bush in the community.

The incident reportedly happened at 2:15am.

Reports from the police are that Dennis was on her way home from work, when upon reaching the Little London square she disembarked the transportation and met up with a friend.

The male companion, said to be a mechanic, then accompanied the 16-year-old to her house on foot.

Both Dennis and the mechanic later sat on her verandah talking.

It is alleged that shortly after, the suspect, Dennis’ ex-boyfriend entered the yard and opened gunfire at Dennis and her male friend.

Dennis and the 38-year-old man, in fear of their lives, made a bid to escape.

The police said the suspect later left the scene on foot.

The police were summoned and, on their arrival, Dennis and her male companion were seen on the veranda suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.

They were subsequently rushed by the police to hospital, where Dennis was pronounced dead on arrival and the mechanic admitted for gunshot wounds to his abdomen and back.

Investigations are ongoing.

-Kimberley Peddie