ST JAMES, Jamaica –Twenty-six-year-old Ashani James, a fisherman of Bottom Road, Orange district in St James was charged with the murder of 39-year-old Levarbia Clayton, otherwise called ‘Rasta’, a graphic artist which occurred at Over River district in the parish on Sunday, May 3, 2020.

Reports from the Montego Bay Police are that about 5:00 pm on the day in question, residents heard explosions in the area and summoned the police. On their arrival, Clayton was seen lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation was launched and an intelligence led operation was carried out at the home of James. A search of the premises was conducted and several documents were seen containing particulars of persons residing overseas along with seven cellular phones. He was subsequently taken into custody for murder and possession of identity information.

Further investigations revealed that James was in possession of an illegal firearm – a .44 Magnum revolver with three 9mm rounds of ammunition. James was additionally charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

His court date has not been finalised.