ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica- Police have charged a St Elizabeth farmer in connection with last week’s double murder in Malvern, a morning of terror in the usually quiet deep-rural area.

Charged is 37-year-old Carlos Beckford, of Brompton District in St Elizabeth, who was allegedly the driver of a vehicle transporting gunmen in the incident.

Mickel James, 39, otherwise called “Custos”, a resident and mason of Smithfield District in Malvern and 51-year-old Courtney Smith, otherwise called “Patrick”, a farmer and resident of Smoothland near Santa Cruz were killed following a series of incidents on April 13.

A report from the police’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) stated that about 4:00 am, the gunmen robbed a bar and sexually assaulted a woman in Hampton, which neighbours Malvern.

A subsequent report from the police said $2 million in cash was stolen from the bar.

The police said James was among a group of people in a search party who was in pursuit of the gunmen when he was shot dead.

According to the police, shortly after, Smith was on his way to his farm when he was robbed and shot dead by the gunmen.

The police said the driver of the vehicle, which was transporting the gunmen, was apprehended with the assistance of residents.

Residents of Malvern on Wednesday expressed their shock and anger following the morning of terror in their community.

READ: Shock in Malvern following morning of terror

The police said Beckford gave a caution statement admitting to transporting the gunmen to the location. Beckford reportedly said he was in the process of transporting the gunmen away but had to let them out due to the roadblocks that were mounted by the police and residents.

He was also interviewed in the presence of his attorney after which he was charged. The cell phone that belonged to Smith was found in the vehicle that Beckford was driving.

In addition to the murders, Beckford was charged for shooting with intent, robbery with aggravation, illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and conspiracy.

The police said three poker boxes and an assortment of top shelf liquors were among the items stolen during the robbery.

The poker boxes were found in bushes.

Beckford is to appear in the St Elizabeth Parish Court on Wednesday April 27, 2022.