- by Met
Murders are continuing to trend upwards in St. James since the state of emergency was lifted in January, even as the downward trajectory in killings islandwide continues.
The data from the police show that there were 48 murders in the parish of St. James up to Saturday, compared to 29 for the similar period in 2018. That’s a 65.5 per cent increase over last year.
St. James is also leading all other police divisions in relation to murders. It’s followed by St Andrew South and Westmoreland with 43 each, St. Catherine South with 40 and then Clarendon and St. Andrew Central with 37 each.
Up to April 20 Jamaica had recorded 406 murders, compared to 447 in 2018. That’s 41 fewer homicides over the period under review.
There were also 47 fewer reported rapes and 16 fewer cases of aggravated assault.
On the other hand, shootings are up, with 413 reported up to Saturday compared to 394 for the similar period of 2018.
Police fatal shootings
There has also been a significant decrease in the number of police fatal shootings since the start of the year.
The latest statistics show that there were 27 such shootings by the police up to April 20. That’s 14 fewer than the 41 fatal shootings recorded for the similar period in 2018.
There has been no fatal shooting by soldiers, two by security guards and seven by licensed firearm holders.