KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) is reporting that 22 people have been fatally shot by security forces since the beginning of 2025.

This means that the figure has almost doubled since the 12 fatal shootings that were reported last week for the first 16 days of the year. It also represents an increase when compared to the 13 people who were fatally shot for the entire month of January in 2023.

READ: 12 killed by security forces in 16 days — Indecom

The latest fatality is 55-year-old Eric Shakespeare who was shot and killed by police officers when they visited his home on Mountain View Avenue on Monday.

According to a statement from Indecom, it is alleged that a police team breached a room, and Shakespeare was seen with a firearm pointed at the officers. The police reportedly fired at Shakespeare in response. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. A Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol was reported as recovered from the incident scene.

Shortly after, residents of the community took to the streets to mount roadblocks and set fire to debris in protest.

READ: Residents protest police killing of groundsman on Mountain View Avenue

Indecom is now investigating the incident.

“The incident scene was examined and the evidential material recovered, was processed and packaged. The hands of the deceased were swabbed for gunshot residue.  The concerned officers were served with Section 21 Notices, pursuant to the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, to submit statements and interviews will be scheduled,” Indecom said.

In the meantime, the commission is urging individuals with information surrounding this and other fatal incidents to share information via WhatsApp 876-553-0000 or visit or contact the office of the commission at 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875.

The number of people shot and killed in 2024 by the security forces was 189. This represents a 22 per cent increase over the 2023 figure, which was 155 fatalities.