A Nation in Mourning: St. Catherine Massacre Shocks Jamaica
Jamaica is grappling with profound grief and outrage following a brutal mass shooting that claimed the lives of five individuals, including a four-year-old child, in Commodore, Linstead, St. Catherine. The horrific incident occurred on the evening of October 12, 2025, when gunmen, masquerading as police officers, opened fire on a gathering, leaving a community reeling and sparking national condemnation. This news has sent shockwaves across the island, highlighting persistent issues of gang violence and criminal audacity.
The Brutal Attack: Gunmen Pose as Police
The attack unfolded around 8:50 PM on Commodore Main Road, where residents had gathered at the gate of Glendon ‘Bull’ Amos. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of men, conspicuously dressed in police vests, arrived and ordered everyone to freeze. In a swift and terrifying turn of events, chaos erupted when one of the assailants shot a dog, prompting panic among the gathered individuals. The gunmen then unleashed indiscriminate gunfire, striking nine people and leaving a scene of devastation.
Victims Identified: A Community’s Loss
The deceased have been identified as 42-year-old Mario Sullivan, 39-year-old Iysha Washington, 22-year-old Famous Amos, 19-year-old Jushane Edwards, and the youngest victim, 4-year-old Shannon Gordon. The tragic loss of young Shannon, a student at Rosemount Primary and Infant School, has particularly devastated the community. An 11-year-old girl was among the nine injured and is reported to be in critical condition, battling for her life. The principal of Rosemount Primary and Infant School, Malaika Sinclair Bailey, described the news as having “shaken us to the core” and that the students and staff are “traumatized.”
Official Response: Condemnation and Commitment to Justice
Prime Minister Andrew Holness swiftly condemned the massacre, describing it as an “act of criminal terror” designed to instill fear within the community. He visited the grief-stricken Commodore community on October 6, 2025, to offer condolences and assure affected families of government support, pledging assistance for their needs. The Ministry of Education has also committed to providing long-term grief counseling and support to students and teachers at Rosemount Primary and Infant School.
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has vowed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the heinous crime. He urged community members not to harbor the perpetrators, warning that such actions would put their own safety at risk. The police have launched a full-scale investigation into the motive behind the attack and have reportedly offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Background of Violence and Ongoing Investigations
St. Catherine has been an area of concern regarding gang violence, often identified as an epicenter for criminal activities in Jamaica. While the area had reportedly been experiencing relative calm in recent months prior to the incident, Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips noted that the attack might be a continuation of gang violence. The police are actively working to piece together the circumstances that led to this “awful situation”.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a 48-hour curfew was imposed in the Commodore area to help maintain order and facilitate investigations. Police Commissioner Blake has consistently emphasized the JCF’s commitment to tackling crime, stating that criminals who challenge law enforcement will face severe consequences, while also advocating for criminals to surrender to avoid fatal confrontations.
This tragic news serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges Jamaica faces in combating organized crime. The nation mourns its lost lives and calls for swift justice for the perpetrators of this brutal act.