KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two boys, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, have been charged in connection with the murder of a taxi driver in October 2024.

Dead is 49-year-old Verne Joseph of Manning’s Hill district, Stony Hill in St Andrew.

Reports from the Constant Spring police are that about 7:26 pm on October 26, 2024, the teen boys and a man boarded a white Toyota Probox operated by Joseph on the grounds of a charter. The police said, at some point during the ride, near Essex Hall main road in Content district, Lawrence Tavern, the male passenger brandished a firearm and proceeded to make demands of Joseph.

Joseph reportedly attempted to drive the car into a gully to avoid being harmed. The man then opened gunfire hitting Joseph in the head and the motorcar crashed into a retaining wall.

The two juveniles and the man allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted escape, however, they were intercepted by angry residents. It is reported that the man used his firearm to ward off the furious residents and made his escape by foot.

The police were summoned and the teens were handed over to them.

Joseph’s body was later discovered slumped over in the passenger seat of his vehicle. The teens and Joseph were taken to the hospital where Joseph was pronounced dead and the juveniles were admitted, treated and released into the police’s custody.

On Monday, April 7, the teens were charged with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, conspiracy to murder, and using a firearm to commit a felony based on CCTV footage obtained and witness statements.

Efforts are now underway to apprehend the third suspect.

A court date for the teen boys is being finalised