WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – The Westmoreland Police have listed a suspect in the shooting death of 16-year-old Tara Alecia Dennis and are appealing to him to surrender himself to the lawmen immediately.

He has been identified as Anthony McNeil, otherwise called ‘Spliffy’ or ‘Jermaine’.

The police have also detained the injured man, who has been released from hospital. He is being questioned by the lawmen regarding Dennis’ killing.

Zone Four Commander for Little London and Negril Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Shaunjaye Mitchell, told Observer Online that the suspect is the ex-boyfriend of the now-deceased teen.

“He’s being asked to turn himself in immediately to the Westmoreland police or the nearest police station,” Mitchell warned.

DSP Mitchell said the police have detained several persons in relation to Dennis’ murder.

“We have picked up several men. The other injured person [has been] treated and is being questioned,” he told Observer Online.

Meanwhile, the top cop took the opportunity to appeal to citizens to refrain from harbouring criminals as it is an offence.

He said they should instead provide the police with useful information and call 119, the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 311.

Reports from the police are that Dennis disembarked a vehicle in Little London Square and was later accompanied by a man who walked her home from work.

The two later sat on Dennis’ verandah and talked. It is alleged that shortly after, McNeil entered the yard and opened fire at them.

The police said residents later alerted them and upon their arrival, both Dennis and her male companion were found suffering from gunshot wounds.

They were transported to the hospital where Dennis was pronounced dead and the other man admitted for treated.

READ: 16-y-o shot dead allegedly by ex-boyfriend in Westmoreland

-Kimberley Peddie