Two Black River escapees remain after Manchester’s most wanted killed by police
MANCHESTER, Jamaica— Police say following the fatal shooting of Manchester’s most wanted man and Black River prison escapee Oral Cole on Thursday, two escapees remain on the run almost three years after eight inmates absconded from lockup.
The manhunt continues for Anward Hinds from Maroon Town and Jevaughn Simms from Copperwood, both in St James.
Cole is among two of the escapees killed in confrontations with the police. The other escapee, Dean Simpson, a resident of Turner Top in St Elizabeth, was killed by police in November 2023.
Another escapee, Alrick Hutchinson, was found dead in September 2023.
Three other escapees were recaptured. They are Richard Brown, Kenneth Stewart and Demar Williams.
Cole, whose criminal history shows a 10- year record of violent crimes, including murders and sexual assault, was killed during an alleged confrontation with police in south Trelawny on Thursday. Highly placed sources said a policeman was injured in the incident and was saved by his bulletproof vest.
Police said Cole’s known criminal history dates back to November 9, 2016, when he was arrested and charged with shooting with intent, indicating early involvement in violent, firearm-related crime.
On June 19, 2023, Cole was among eight inmates who escaped from custody at the Black River station lockup. Police said at that time, he was before the St Elizabeth Circuit Court facing charges of robbery with aggravation.
Police in Manchester listed Cole as the parish’s most wanted following two murders last year.
He was listed as a person of interest in the murder of Constantine Myers, otherwise called “Old Soldier” or “Juvy,” who was shot dead on June 17, 2025, in Manchester.
Cole was listed as wanted for the murder of Ojay Gooden, 30, which happened on October 21, 2025. Gooden was shot dead when men posing as police invaded his home in Canewood district, Comfort Hall, Manchester.
Police said Cole was also identified as a person of interest in a rape case committed on December 17, 2022.
— Kasey Williams
READ: Police injured, Manchester’s most wanted man killed in Trelawny
