MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Detectives in Manchester have charged a man in relation to the murder of a car mart dealer, the abduction of the businessman’s family and the theft of three cars committed in Melrose Gardens last year.

The accused is Nicholas Knight, otherwise called ‘Biggs’, a resident of Royal Flat.

Detectives on Thursday charged Knight with the offences of murder, three counts of kidnapping, three counts of robbery with aggravation, three counts of conspiracy to murder, unauthorised possession of ammunition, prohibited weapon, conspiracy to kidnapping, two counts of assault at common law, three counts of using a prohibited weapon to commit a felony and conspiracy to robbery with aggravation.

A police report said on July 10, 2024, car mart dealer Omar Powell, 35, his partner, and his then 15-year-old daughter were on their way home when gunmen attacked them. They were reportedly abducted at gunpoint and taken into bushes, where they were tied up on a bauxite haul road.

Police said the accused and two other men kidnapped and robbed three cellular phones, an iPod, a Mercedes Ben, and two Toyota Probox vehicles.

The attackers then killed Powell before escaping. His partner and daughter were found hours later, around 2:00 am, and were taken to get medical attention.

Police said the accused was arrested and charged following an extensive investigation by the Manchester Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

His court date is being finalised.

Police said a second suspect, identified as Javar Blake, otherwise called ‘Ballah’, was fatally shot during an alleged confrontation by cops in the Christiana area last year.

A third suspect is being sought.

— Kasey Williams

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READ: Manchester car mart dealer shot dead, three cars reportedly stolen