MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Police here say they have solved 21 murders recently, including cases dating back to 2024, even as they ramp up efforts to cauterise the effects of lottery scamming within the parish. The theory is that squabbles over illicit gain are among the factors fuelling crime in the area.

“We have embarked on a concerted drive to clear up violent crimes, especially murders and shootings, through robust, targeted investigations,” head of the Manchester Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Odean Dennis said on Wednesday.

“This is because we know there is a deterring effect to be had from this approach. Certainly, when people know that if they commit crimes they will be caught and brought to justice they are less inclined to do so,” he added.

Statistics from the police show that up to Saturday, July 25, Manchester recorded 23 murders compared to 16 for the corresponding period last year.

Dennis lauded detectives and the Major Investigations Division (MID) for cracking cases.

“Detectives and partner agencies [including the] MID have cleared up 21… murders committed in the parish,” he said.

Police units and personnel on patrol during Operation Reset in Mandeville, recently. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“We are not limiting our investigations to current year murders and major crimes, but we are doing some significant work around clearing up previous year crimes as well. We believe that this strategy, coupled with going at the finances and assets being derived from lottery scamming, will in the long run have the desired effect of significantly impacting the number of major crimes that are being committed in Manchester,” he added.

His comments follow the arrest and charge of 32-year-old Ramalio Miles for the July 18 double murder of nursing student Deenekia Pounall and Sadefa Henry, who were killed in a taxi by a gunman who posed as a passenger.

Police said on Saturday, July 25, Miles was pointed out during an identification parade. He was subsequently charged with two counts of murder, four counts of shooting with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and using a prohibited weapon to commit a felony.

On Wednesday, a tough talking Dennis made it clear that Manchester is not a safe haven for criminals.

“We want to assure the citizens of Manchester that we are not only making every effort to influence a decline in the incidents of violent crime, but simultaneously we, along with our partners, remain committed to putting out every effort to bring perpetrators to justice… In short, don’t come to Manchester to commit crime because you will be caught,” he said.