Men accused in Old Harbour cop killing released

In the wake of Corporal Mayne’s death both accused voluntarily surrendered on May 20 to the Portmore Police Station (Hundred Man Police Station) in connection with the ongoing investigation. They were subsequently placed on an identification parade but this failed to link them to the crime.  

Smith, 36, of North Street, Old Harbour, along with 28-year-old Wilson – also of said community – were freed after a lack of substantive evidence and no eyewitnesses coming forward to implicate them. Their attorney successfully filed a habeas corpus application in court, which was granted by the presiding judge, leading to their release. 

Corporal Kamal Mayne, a 20-year veteran of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was fatally shot at his Claremont Heights home on May 17. The brazen killing sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an intense manhunt and widespread speculation. 

Smith, widely known as ‘Balla Jesus’, and Wilson – alias ‘Juicy’ had been fingered as prime suspects in the court of public opinion, though police had not issue any warrant for their arrest. Once a promising local footballer, Smith has long been labeled by law enforcement as a member of the criminal underworld involved in multiple crimes, though he has never been convicted. 

With no forensic or eyewitness evidence connecting Smith and Wilson to the murder, their legal team secured their release through a habeas corpus petition — a legal recourse against unlawful detention. 

“Thus far, no one has been formally charged in connection with Corporal Mayne’s death,” said SSP Leighton Gray, commander of the St. Catherine South Police Division, but noted the investigation remains active.

The senior superintendent added: “Due to the failure, absence, fear or unavailability of witnesses for ID Parade, their attorney filed a writ in court and as such they were released. Investigations continue.”

The case has drawn significant attention, with residents expressing frustration over the slow progress. Some community members have criticized the police for failing to secure solid evidence, while others question whether fear of retaliation has prevented witnesses from coming forward.