Old Harbour mourns killing of Cpl. Oliver Mullings

Cpl. Mullings, 46, was last night killed during a shootout with gunmen on Third Street, West Kingston.

One of the gunmen was fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire.

A team of officers, including Cpl Mullings, was on foot patrol in the Trench Town community when they were attacked by armed men.

He’s the second police officer killed by gunmen within the last six days following the killing of 22-year-old Constable Brian Martin at a wake in Kingston.

News of Cpl. Mullings’ killing has since triggered shockwaves throughout Old Harbour, a rapidly developing township of over 50,000 inhabitants in southwest St Catherine.

A born and bred native of Old Harbour, Cpl Mullings is a highly respected figure here throughout the community and is member of the Old Harbour Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He's married to Josephine Parker-Mullings, a veteran educator and vice-principal at Marlie Mount Primary School.

As a couple they are adored and understandably this morning at Marlie Mount Primary, a pall of gloom engulfed the school's compound.

Teachers, parents, students were observed crying bitterly, while others stared motionless into an abyss of boundless space.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Richard Stewart, says while the loss of Corporal Mullings is unimaginable at this time, particularly for the grieving family, it’s another opportunity for Jamaicans to throw their full support in the fight against crime and violence.

“I cannot begin to imagine the emotional trauma that his loved ones are experiencing but do express sincerest condolences. The family was visited and assured of the High Command's support in this difficult period,” DCP Stewart told Old Harbour News.”

As the most senior cop with responsibility for the administration and support services portfolio of the constabulary, DCP Stewart, added: “These lamentable instances bring to focus the need for well-thinking members of the society to give full support to the governmental apparatus geared at deterring our people from crime and to rehabilitate those that are so given.”

In a statement condemning the killing of Cpl, who has served the constabulary for more than two decades, the Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said: “In a society plagued by violent crime, our law enforcement officers face great risks in the line of duty to protect Jamaicans.”

“We hope that the perpetrators of this crime will be quickly brought before the courts and urge anyone with information that could assist to report it to the police,” added the local human rights lobby group while offering condolences to the family.”