Manhunt continues for eight persons of interest for Bedward Gardens triple murder
Superintendent William Kessler of the St Andrew Central Division is confirming that two of the 10 people listed as persons of interest in the division, have turned themselves in and have provided the police with “useful” information in their investigations.
According to Kessler, the other eight individuals may be able to provide information on a triple murder that jolted residents of Bedward Gardens in the wee hours of Saturday, April 30.
READ: Bedward Gardens still unsettled after triple murder
“I think two of those 10 reported to the police. They were questioned and useful information was given and they were released. However, there are eight other persons who have not turned themselves in and based on the information we received, they are still causing a lot of problems out there,” Kessler said.
READ: St Andrew Central Police seek persons of interest
Kessler says he is confident that the joint police-military operation in the area will result in the capture of the other eight.
“We have shootings nightly in the Bedwood Gardens area and we believe that it is the gangs at each other. However, we are relentless and there are several major operations in trend for these culprits. I’m going to lead one of the biggest military-police manhunts for these persons because most of them are properly wanted in relation to that triple murder,” he stated.
He also noted that the gangs at war in the area are called Bedwood Gardens or Bury Gang and Colour Red or Gaza.
According to Kessler, although there have not been any murders since the triple murder in April, the gangs continue to engage in “shootouts.”
“On many occasions, the police and the JDF [Jamaica Defence Force] are in the middle and the terrain is not as such, so it is very risky for our military personnel and police officers out there,” Kessler said.
Reports are that about 4:00 am, thugs pounced upon 24-year-old Rasheed “Buppy” Edwards, 18-year-old Keno “Brains” Wray, and their friend who was identified as “Jackson” at a shop in the community.
Since the start of the year, there have been 28 murders and 17 shootings in the St Andrew Central Police Division.