Three gunned down, including teen, in police operation in Spanish Town

A police operation in St Catherine has left three men dead, including a 17-year-old, following what investigators say was an armed confrontation in the March Road community on Sunday.

Dead are Justin Somers, 17, and Cory Somers, both of March Pen Road in Spanish Town. The identity of the third man has not yet been confirmed.

Reports indicate that about 3:50 p.m. on April 5, police personnel on patrol received information about armed men in the community. Acting on the tip, a team reportedly went on foot into an area known as “Africa,” where further intelligence suggested that gunmen were inside a house.

According to police accounts, upon approaching the premises and announcing themselves, two men ran from the house. One reportedly fled, while the other allegedly opened fire at the police. Officers returned fire, hitting the man. A 9mm pistol was reportedly seized.

Investigators say that as the police entered the house, two other men were seen inside, one of whom allegedly pointed a firearm at the team. The police again took evasive action and opened fire, shooting both men. A .38 revolver was reportedly recovered at the scene.

All three injured men were taken to the Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The incident has added to growing concern, coming just days after another fatal police shooting in Browns Hall that left three unidentified men dead during a reported confrontation.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has since launched probes into both incidents as questions surround the deadly encounters.

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