The tragic death of 20-year-old Jimoy Suckoo has left her family and community in turmoil, questioning the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting in a hotel room in Clarendon. The young woman, known affectionately as Janay, was allegedly shot by her police officer boyfriend, but her relatives remain skeptical of the official story.
According to her mother, Nadine Suckoo, initial reports from the police stated that Jimoy had been shot in the lower chest area. However, when Nadine identified her daughter’s body at a local funeral home, she was shocked to find a gunshot wound on Jimoy’s face, between her nose and upper lip.
“This doesn’t make sense at all,” said a visibly distressed Nadine. “The report said one thing, but the body showed something else entirely.”
Jimoy, a bartender from Paradise, Westmoreland, was well-loved by her friends and family. Her godmother, Joan Barnes, who lives in the community, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the loss.
“She didn’t deserve this,” Barnes said through tears. “Everyone loved her. She was friendly, hardworking, and brought joy to those around her.”
The family’s concerns have been further fueled by rumors of a tense phone conversation between Jimoy and her boyfriend the day before her death. Neighbors claim the two had an argument, though these reports remain unconfirmed.
The police account of the shooting, which occurred at Hotel Versalles in May Pen, states that the officer had placed his Glock pistol on the bed where Jimoy was lying. The constable said he turned his back to grab something to eat and heard a loud noise. Upon turning around, he found Jimoy with a gunshot wound to her chest. In a subsequent statement at the May Pen Police Station, the constable altered his version, claiming that the gun slipped from his hand as he attempted to secure it, accidentally firing the weapon in the process.
Jimoy was rushed to May Pen Hospital, where she was declared dead.
Authorities have acknowledged the inconsistencies in the constable’s story. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched an official inquiry into the incident, focusing on the actions that led to the weapon being discharged.
The constable’s service weapon has been recovered and the officer’s hands, along with Jimoy’s, have been tested for gunshot residue. Further questioning of the officer is expected.
As the investigation continues, Nadine Suckoo has raised additional concerns about her daughter’s personal belongings. Jimoy owned two iPhones, but only one has been retrieved by the police. The second phone, Nadine claims, is still active on social media, and she is demanding its return.
“We need answers,” said Nadine. “We want the truth about what happened to my daughter, and we won’t stop until we get it.”
The Suckoo family has called on the Government of Jamaica and INDECOM to pursue a thorough investigation, as they seek justice for Jimoy’s untimely death.
