KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities in Jamaica have reported that two suspects sought in connection with a recent mass shooting in Linstead, St. Catherine, were fatally shot by police during separate operations on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The development comes as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues its investigation into the brutal incident that claimed five lives, including a child, earlier this week.
The Commodore Massacre
The series of events began on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025, when armed men, reportedly posing as police officers and some wearing police-style vests, stormed a family yard in the Commodore community of Linstead. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, hitting nine individuals. Tragically, five people were pronounced dead, including a four-year-old child, Shannon Gordon. The other victims were identified as 19-year-old Jowaine Walters, 39-year-old Iysha Washington, 42-year-old Mario Sullivan, and 22-year-old security guard Famous Amos. Four other individuals sustained injuries in the attack.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness swiftly condemned the massacre, labelling it an “act of criminal terror”. The attack sent shockwaves through the nation, particularly as Linstead had experienced a period of relative calm in terms of violent crime prior to this incident. Police theorize that the shooting may be linked to ongoing gang conflicts.
Police Operations Yield Fatal Results
In response to the devastating mass shooting, authorities had announced a two-million-dollar reward for any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. The intense investigation culminated on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with two separate police operations in St. Catherine that resulted in the deaths of two men believed to be involved in the Commodore incident.
The first operation involved a joint police-military team conducting an intelligence-led raid at Jewels Estate, Knollis, Bog Walk. According to the JCF, officers were confronted by a man armed with a rifle who allegedly pointed the weapon at them. Law enforcement returned fire, and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. An M16 rifle, along with ammunition, was seized.
In a subsequent operation along Grange Lane, also in St. Catherine, another police team intercepted a vehicle carrying several men. The occupants reportedly initiated a gunfire exchange with the officers. The police returned fire, and when the shooting subsided, one man was discovered with gunshot wounds. He was transported to Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A pistol was also recovered. The police high command confirmed that a rifle and a pistol were seized across these operations.
Investigation and Community Response
Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who heads Area 5, stated that the police are committed to maintaining a long-term presence and actively seeking those involved in the shooting. The government has pledged full support to the victims’ families and the affected community. Professional counselling services have also been made available to residents reeling from the shock of the attack.
Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr. Horace Chang, expressed confidence in the police’s ability to apprehend those responsible and appealed to the public for cooperation in sharing information. The JCF has provided several channels for tip-offs, including Crime Stop at 311, the NIB tip line at 811, and the Police Emergency number 119.
Broader Context in Jamaica
Despite the horrific nature of the Commodore massacre, national crime statistics indicate a significant trend of reduced violence across Jamaica. As of October 4, 2025, the island had recorded a 41% decrease in killings compared to the same period the previous year, marking the lowest murder rate in over three decades. The Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) has noted that it has not established a direct correlation between police fatal shootings and this decline in homicides.
As the investigation into the Linstead mass shooting continues, the actions on Thursday represent a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The news headline regarding these police operations underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat violent crime in Jamaica.