Migrant criminals behind Old Harbour crime wave

Old Harbour, part of the St. Catherine South police division, has reported four murders since the start of the year, with three of these occurring over just four days.

The most high-profile incident involved the killing of 41-year-old Pastor Michael Spencer, a former gangster turned born-again Christian at The Overflow Anointing PGS Church in Goulbourne Lane. Spencer was fatally shot on Saturday, just 10 meters from the Old Harbour Police Station. His death marked the third homicide in the area and came 36 hours after 28-year-old Javaughn Bailey was murdered at his Marlin Terrace home in Old Harbour Glades.

Within two days of Spencer's death, police discovered the body of 65-year-old Ian Matthews in Marlie Gardens. Matthews was found along Marlie Drive with severe head injuries. These crimes followed the January 8 daylight murder of 25-year-old sound system selector Warren Ingram, adding to the community’s growing unease.

Detective Inspector Carl Morris, chief investigator at the Old Harbour Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), stated that while the murders are unrelated, investigations suggest they were carried out by criminals from outside Old Harbour, particularly Spanish Town.

“We’ve identified some individuals of interest who we are actively tracking, but it’s too early to disclose their names,” Inspector Morris told Old Harbour News. “We understand the victims’ families want swift justice, but solving crimes, especially without eyewitnesses or cooperative sources, requires painstaking investigative work.”

Inspector Morris urged residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity or unfamiliar individuals in their communities. “Your alertness can prevent a crime or even save a life,” he emphasized.

The recent string of homicides has sparked alarm among both residents and the business community. However, the veteran investigator reassured the public that the murders were isolated incidents. He highlighted that Pastor Spencer’s killing was the first to occur in the town center in 17 months, underscoring the relative stability achieved through measures like a dedicated public order team and quick-response unit.

These efforts have contributed to maintaining order in the Old Harbour town center, which spans about half a mile. Inspector Morris noted that these initiatives played a significant role in keeping major crimes in the area steady, with 27 murders recorded in 2024—the same as in 2023, which itself had seen a 30% reduction from prior years.

“We remain steadfast in creating a safe environment where businesses can thrive and residents can enjoy their daily lives and social activities,” Inspector Morris concluded.

The St Catherine South Police command centre has imposed yet another 48-hour curfew order for the entire division – encompassing Portmore, Central Village and Old Harbour. This came in effect Tuesday, January 21 and will expire at 6:00 pm January 23.