DETECTIVES assigned to the St Andrew North Police Division have charged two teen boys, ages 15 and 17, with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, conspiracy to murder, and using a firearm to commit a felony, in the 2024 case of 49-year-old taxi operator Verne Joseph, of Manning’s Hill district, Stony Hill, St Andrew.

Joseph was killed on Essex Hall main road, Content District, Lawrence Tavern

Reports from the Constant Spring Police are that at about 7:26 pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024, the teen boys and a man chartered the white Toyota Probox taxi operated by Joseph. On reaching a section of the main road, the male passenger brandished a firearm and proceeded to make certain demands of Joseph.

The police said Joseph, in fear for his life, attempted to drive the car into a gully, but the man shot him in the head, causing the motor car to crash into a retaining wall. The two juveniles and the man exited the vehicle and attempted escape; however, they were caught by angry residents in the area.

“The man used his firearm to ward off the furious residents, and made his escape in the area on foot,” the police said in a statement. “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 rushed to the hospital where Joseph was pronounced dead and the juveniles were admitted, treated, and then released into police custody.

On Monday, April 7, the teens were charged based on CCTV footage obtained by the police, along with witness statements. The police said efforts are underway to apprehend the third suspect.