WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A male who is said to be the ex-boyfriend of 16-year-old Tara Alecia Dennis, who was shot dead on Saturday in Little London, Westmoreland, is now in police custody.

Anthony ‘Spliffy’ McNeil, who was named as the prime suspect in the killing, surrendered himself to the police on Sunday.

“He is in custody, he came in custody yesterday with his attorney and later [he will be] questioned and most definitely will be charged,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Chambers told Observer Online.

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

Dennis and a male companion, 38-year-old Derron Stewart, were allegedly attacked by McNeil while they were engaged in discussion on Dennis’ veranda. Both Dennis and Stewart suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital where Dennis was pronounced dead and the man admitted for treatment.

Stewart, who was released from hospital, has since been named by the police as a person of interest in activities in the Corporate Area. According to the police, Stewart had been “cooling out” in Westmoreland.

Chambers told the Observer Online that he was disappointed when he learnt that the hospital released Stewart without contacting police.

“I [was] just a little disturbed when I learnt that the other man who was with her, was treated at the hospital and released given that it was a gunshot injury. I was of the view that the hospital would not have released him until they [would have] contacted the police,” Chambers said.

He is appealing to Stewart to turn himself in for questioning.

Meanwhile, Chambers said he is happy the case is coming to a close.

“I am happy that this matter is brought to a closure quickly, but again speaks to the issue of young men not able to control their emotions and being in possession of illegal firearms,” he chided.

Chambers said he will also look into the matter of Dennis having been employed at that age with his legal advisor, and will give a further update. Dennis reportedly had arrived home from work prior to the incident.

– Kimberley Peddie