Police: Interpersonal conflicts driving murders in Clarendon; major crimes down overall

Interpersonal disputes that often go unreported to the police are contributing significantly to murders in Clarendon, even as the parish records an overall decline in major crimes this year.

Deputy Superintendent Junior Smith made the disclosure while addressing the monthly meeting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

Smith told the meeting that 22 murders were recorded between January 1 and July 4, compared with 21 during the corresponding period last year.

Shootings also increased, rising to 23 from 21 over the same period.

"What we're seeing is a result of interpersonal conflicts that sometimes never come to the attention of the police. It's only after these murders are committed that we hear there were disputes between the parties involved," Smith said.

Despite the increases in murders and shootings, overall serious crimes declined by 9.8 per cent, with 156 major crimes recorded compared with 173 during the corresponding period in 2025.

Robberies declined from 31 to 25, break-ins decreased from 59 to 44, and aggravated assaults dropped from 24 to 22. Reports of rape remained unchanged at 10.

Smith said the police have intensified community meetings and walkthroughs in an effort to identify and mediate conflicts before they escalate into violence, with particular attention being paid to communities in Zone Three, which comprises Chapelton, Frankfield, Crofts Hill and Rock River.

In the latest incident, a 64-year-old woman was found with multiple stab wounds at her home in the Frankfield police division on July 1.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Smith also urged parents and guardians to closely supervise children during the summer holidays, noting that the police frequently receive reports of minors leaving home without informing relatives of their whereabouts.

He warned that unsupervised children are especially vulnerable during the break, as "persons are preying on these children" and may seek opportunities to exploit them.

- Olivia Brown

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