In a significant development in the investigation into the death of Police Corporal Kamal Mayne, two men turned themselves into authorities last week. The suspects, identified by their street names “Balla Jesus” and “Juicy”, were quickly placed in custody.
According to reports, both individuals are being questioned by detectives from the Major Investigations Division as part of the ongoing probe into the fatal shooting.
The pair’s surrender follows a fatal police operation in Old Harbour, St Catherine, where a third person of interest, Shaquille Johnson, was shot and killed last Wednesday. Investigators believe all three suspects played roles in the early‐morning ambush that claimed Corporal Mayne’s life at his home on Claremont Drive on May 17.
The corporal was slain immediately after he arrived at his Old Harbour residence. It is believed that the attackers waited for him to exit his vehicle, then opened fire, fatally wounding him outside his residence. His service weapon was snatched from his person before the attackers fled the scene, per reports.
The discovery of Corporal Mayne’s body was made around 5:30 a.m. that morning. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the police force, as he was a veteran in the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
According to reports, those close to him describe him as a committed officer who had dedicated two decades to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He was stationed at the Darling Street Police Station in the Kingston Western Division.
The motive behind the attack has not yet been confirmed, but the killing has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers in the country.
Following the officer’s murder, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed deep sorrow over the murder of Corporal Kamal Mayne, calling it a heartbreaking loss for Mayne’s family, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the entire country.
Holness highlighted the sacrifices officers make daily to ensure a safer Jamaica, noting that the country’s progress in reducing crime has come at a great cost. He emphasised that Mayne’s life and service mattered and urged the public to remember the human side of law enforcement, acknowledging the risks and sacrifices officers and their families make.