Police investigators collecting evidence and clues on Birch Tree Hill Road in the murder case of 23-year-old Mark Anthony Jefferson. Photo by Trent Jacobs
With the shooting death of a 23-year-old man in West Bay on Friday, 11 July, the Cayman Islands is experiencing its highest rate of homicides for the decade.
In comparison, there were six killings for all of 2004 and three last year. The sixth murder victim of this year, Mark Anthony Jefferson, was shot dead on Birch Tree Hill Road around midnight near local hangout, Kelly’s Bar; a few hours later there were shots fired near Funky Tangs on Shedden Road, with no injuries reported.
During the West Bay shooting, another man, 20, was shot in the arm for which he required surgery, though his wounds were not life threatening, according to police. The initial police investigation says that bystanders scattered upon numerous shots being fired after which Mr Jefferson collapsed and died in the street.
Mr Jefferson is the same man who was arrested for the December hit-and-run death of 55-year-old Quindel Ames, who was leaving a Health Services Authority Christmas party at Boatswain’s Beach in West Bay.
On Monday, 14 July, several officers, donning rubber gloves and equipped with metal detectors, were still combing through residents’ front yards and alleyways looking for clues that might lead to an arrest.
Police say they have already collected several spent shells but have yet to find the murder weapon.
Cayman Net News spoke with an eyewitness, who requested anonymity, who said the victim fell dead just feet in front of him. According to the witness, several people were hanging out at a laundromat by Kelly’s Bar, an area he alleges is a hangout for drug dealers, when the shooting began.
The police say that a 19-year-old is currently assisting authorities with their investigation but they are still urging anyone with any information they think might help to contact the West Bay Police station on 949-3999 or Crime Stoppers on 1-800-TIPS (8477).
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