Brothers among three killed in Bethel Town police operation

WESTERN BUREAU:

Three men, including two brothers, were fatally shot in a police operation early Wednesday morning in the Hermitage area of Bethel Town, Westmoreland. The operation, led by law enforcement, also resulted in the seizure of two illegal firearms.

The deceased have been identified as 23-year-old Jhordan Malique Love, his 22-year-old brother Jaeden Mikhail Love, and 31-year-old farmer Dericko Hayle. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Glenford Miller, who oversees Area One, the fatal incidents occurred in two separate encounters with the police during the operation.

“Three men got into a confrontation with the police and were fatally injured,” said Miller.

“Firearms were seized in the incident, and it was two separate incidents. In the first incident, two firearms were seized, and we are still awaiting further information on the second incident.”

Between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., police reportedly conducted an intelligence-driven raid targeting the Love brothers, alleged members of the Montego Bay-based Nation Croc gang. They were also persons of interest in multiple murders across Westmoreland and Hanover.

OFFICIAL REPORT

According to an official police report, as officers approached the house where the brothers were staying, they encountered two men nearby. When the police ordered them to surrender, the men allegedly opened fire. A shoot-out ensued, and both brothers were found with gunshot wounds. Two firearms were reportedly recovered from the scene. The men were taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Shortly after, Hayle reportedly rode up to the scene on a motorcycle, seemingly unaware of the incident that had just occurred. On seeing the police, he allegedly turned his bike around and attempted to flee, ignoring police commands to stop. A chase followed, ending in another exchange of gunfire. Hayle was shot and later died at the hospital.

“The two brothers are always in trouble with the police. A suh dem arrest them, a so dem let dem go back,” one resident told The Gleaner. “Dem really don’t come from here. Dem mother build a house in the community, and I think she died, so they are the only ones living in the house.”

In the case of Hayle, a resident told The Gleaner that he was not known to be a troublemaker and may have been trying to evade the police because the motorcycle he was riding was neither licensed nor insured.

Following the shootings, a team from INDECOM reportedly visited the location and has collected statements from residents. The killing of the three men brings to 154 the number of persons killed in confrontations with the police since the start of the year.

Adrian Frater