St James man charged with murder over fatal shooting in Glendevon

Sleuths assigned to the St James Police Division have charged a 22-year-old man over the fatal shooting of a man during a verbal dispute in Bottom Pen, Glendevon on Monday.

Charged is 22-year-old Nickhardo Benjamin, otherwise called ‘Nick’, of Bottom Pen, Glendevon, who is charged with murder, wounding with intent and using a firearm to commit a felony.

The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Havaton Mendis, a mechanic of Bottom Pen, Glendevon.

Reports from the Montego Bay police are that at about 12:30 p.m., Mendis was walking along the roadway when he was approached by Benjamin, who was travelling in a motor car.

The police further reported that the two became involved in a verbal dispute, following which Benjamin allegedly brandished a firearm and fired multiple shots in Mendis’ direction.

Mendis sustained gunshot wounds to his upper body and was assisted to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation was launched, and Benjamin was apprehended during a police operation on Tuesday, August 25.

He was subsequently charged on Thursday, August 27.

A court date is being finalised.

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