KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Boxing Day, residents from Hellgate and surrounding neighborhoods in Orange, St. James, gathered in large numbers to express their deep sorrow and anger over the fatal shooting of three local men earlier this week.
The demonstration, which took place on Tuesday, saw protesters blocking key sections of Orange’s main thoroughfare. The victims—Alex Medley, Rojay Duncan, and an individual known only as Max—were tragically killed during a police operation targeting a suspect linked to recent violence in Rose Heights, St. James.
Police officials reported that officers entered the community to execute a search warrant amidst escalating tensions and a series of violent incidents, including the high-profile killing of social media figure Marlon Samuels, also known as “41 Busshead.” During the operation, officers allegedly came under gunfire. In response, they returned fire, resulting in the deaths of the three men and the confiscation of three firearms.
However, the families and neighbors of the deceased contest the police narrative, asserting that Medley, Duncan, and Max had surrendered peacefully when approached by law enforcement in the early hours of the morning. This discrepancy has fueled mistrust and frustration among the community members.
The Boxing Day protest featured residents using various barricades to impede traffic flow, symbolizing their demand for accountability and justice. “We deserve to know the truth about what happened to our brothers,” stated one protester. “Their lives were taken unjustly, and our voices need to be heard.”
Local leaders and human rights organizations have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for community-police relations to be rebuilt on trust and mutual respect. As St. James grapples with this tragedy, the calls for justice continue to resonate throughout the community.
