MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Police say a man who was fatally shot during an alleged confrontation in Davyton last month has since been identified as a suspect in the killing of 2022 Prime Minister youth awardee Ceejay Cunningham, two months ago.

“Subsequent to the murder [of Cunningham], we went into the space in Davyton and we were confronted by an individual and he was fatally shot and a firearm [seized]. Based on our investigations that person was positively identified as the person who was responsible for Ceejay Cunningham’s murder,” head of the Manchester police Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan said at Thursday’s sitting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation.

Duncan was responding to questions from Councillor Mario Mitchell (People’s National Party, Bellefield division) regarding an update into the police’s investigation into the killing of the champion farmer.

On Saturday, May 18, Andre Knight, otherwise called “Boxer”, 41, a construction worker and resident of Davyton, was killed during an alleged confrontation by the police in the community. Police said a 9mm pistol was seized during the incident.On Friday, April 26, Cunningham, a young farmer who had inspired his peers, was fatally shot while tiling a house in Davyton, near Bellefield in the parish.

A police report said about 5:45 pm, Cunningham and another man were working inside an unfinished house when an armed man entered and opened fire hitting him multiple times in the upper body. His colleague was shot in the leg.

Cunningham was pronounced dead at hospital, sparking condemnation from several sectors of the society.

Among those condemning the killing was Prime Minister Andrew Holness who described Cunningham as a “promising young entrepreneur and beloved member of the community of Chantilly District in Manchester.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ceejay’s family, friends, and the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,” said Holness.

“His passion for farming and entrepreneurship was recognised as he was the owner and chief executive officer of Fairwoods Farm JA, with a quarter-acre vegetable farm, equipped with greenhouse technology.

“He was also a graduate of the Southwest TVET Institute, obtaining several HEART/NSTA certifications. Through hard work and dedication, Ceejay exemplified the spirit of resilience and innovation in our youth,” added Holness.

Ceejay Cunningham at the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards in 2022.