Police fast-track shooting incident involving Jaii Frais
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police say investigations are being fast-tracked into Sunday night’s shooting at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, as popular podcaster Jhaedee “Jaii Frais” Richards and producer Jahvel “Jahvy Ambassador” Morrison have been taken into custody in connection with the incident and have been remanded to allow police more time to determine what transpired.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, speaking on the matter, confirmed that investigators are continuing to gather critical evidence, including forensic analysis and examination of weapons recovered following the incident.
“We are continuing our investigations and both men taken into custody earlier have been remanded to allow for more time to complete some aspects of our investigation, which will help us to determine exactly what may have transpired,” Phipps said. “We are very much fast-tracking the analysis of the weapons retrieved in the matter as well as the forensic evidence which may be linked to the investigations.”
The development comes after popular podcaster Jhaedee “Jaii Frais” Richards and two others were injured during a violent altercation following carnival festivities at the St Andrew venue on Sunday night.
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Reports indicate that Richards had just exited a restroom when he was attacked by a group of men. During the confrontation, at least two firearms were reportedly drawn, including a Glock 9mm pistol allegedly taken from Jahvel “Jahvy Ambassador” Morrison, who is said to be a licensed firearm holder. Authorities also report that Richards later handed over another firearm to the police after allegedly disarming one of his attackers.
Richards, who sustained gunshot wounds, has since been detained in connection with the incident and appeared in court on Wednesday following a police application to extend his detention beyond the legally stipulated 48-hour period without charge.
Morrison, a producer and manager, was also taken into custody and remains in police lockup. He is being represented by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie.
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Meanwhile, one of the other injured individuals, reportedly a member of the entourage of dancehall artiste 450, was said to be in critical condition following the attack, but has since survived.
Police say the outcome of the ongoing forensic and ballistic analyses will be key in determining the next steps in the case.