RESIDENTS of Greendale Drive in St Andrew are fearful that a triple murder on Sunday night could bring about dark days for their community, which has been enjoying a comfortable level of peace since 2019.

The residents said that the three men who were murdered were not from the community, emphasising that they did not know them. However, they alleged that when individuals said to be connected to the deceased came to the scene, things were said which convinced residents that reprisals could take place.

The Constant Spring police reported that around 11:10 pm residents heard explosions and summoned them. On their arrival the men were seen on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. They were transported to hospital where they were pronounced dead. Cops have appealed to anyone with information that can assist them in their investigations to contact Constant Spring Police Station at 876-924-1435, the the police 119 emergency number, or the nearest police station.

The police also called for help to identify the dead men.

According to the Corporate Communications Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, one of the bodies is of dark complexion, slim build, about 5 feet 6 inches long, and was clad in a black T-shirt, black shorts and a pair of black sneakers. The second body is also of a dark complexion, slim build, about 5 feet 6 inches long, and the deceased was clad in a green T-shirt, blue jeans shorts, a pair of black slippers and sported cornrow hairstyle. The third body is of brown complexion, slim build, about 5 feet 8 inches long, and was clad in a long-sleeved white shirt, grey shorts and a pair of blue and grey socks.

The Greendale residents said they are extremely fearful, especially because a lot of children live and play in the area and could get caught in an attack. The residents also expressed worry that the stance of the police going forward could be that no parties and events will be allowed in the space.

“We might not be able to keep any stage show until the next five years,” one male resident told the Jamaica Observer on Monday, expressing concern.

Another male resident explained that the people in the community are “timid” because they do not know what will happen next.

“This did not happen in an open lot; this happened at somebody’s gate. When something like that happens, what you think is going to follow? Reprisal is going to take place. Any game can play. The mood in the area is going to change for a long time,” he said.

One woman who was in her yard at the time of the shooting said she heard the guns barking loudly and rapidly and said it sounded like fireworks.

“I heard all of the explosions — it was a lot of shots. It sounded like when you light a bunch of firecrackers. We are now on the map as a bad place,” she lamented, alleging that it was the first time a triple murder was taking place in the space.

“More time people kill people and leave them nearby and then fire shots to make it seem like it happened in the area, but we have never had a triple murder,” the woman claimed.

Based on the feedback from one female resident the situation they are in is very uncomfortable as no one can pinpoint where the killings possibly stemmed from.

“Everybody upset because we don’t know what is happening. We don’t know where it is coming from. People heard the shots and had to take cover. We didn’t know if it was police or what. I don’t like this. We have been trying to bring back the place; it’s been a long time since anything happened here. The last person to be shot and killed was that man with his picture on the wall. He died in 2019,” she said.

Further, the female resident said she and other residents fear venturing on the road as individuals turned up at the crime scene declaring, “It nuh done and it nah guh suh.”

“What are we going to do? We are afraid. When people a look fi retaliate they are not going to look for the perpetrators who did the damage; they are going to shoot anybody they catch — and we have no clue about anything. When I heard the first two explosions I thought it was some kind of celebration, but when I heard the continuation I slid right off my bed. Right now I am hungry and at the same time I feel like I am not hungry,” the woman said, expressing that she felt confused.

A mother who spoke with the Observer said her young son was so petrified by Sunday night’s murders that he did not fall asleep until daybreak.

“A 5 o’clock this morning my son lock him eyes. He waited until he saw daylight out because he was so scared. The children can’t get to enjoy their childhood,” she lamented Monday.