Jamaica: Police investigating killing of foreign national in Bogue Hill, St. James Parish, as of Jan. 3

Event

A police investigation into the death of a British national in the Bogue Hill neighborhood of St. James Parish is ongoing as of Jan. 3. Reports indicate an assailant shot the victim in a villa at around 11:45 the previous day; the individual later died of his wounds. Police have arrested the suspect. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

Context

Jamaica has a high murder rate, at approximately 40 per 100,000 people; much violent crime is connected to gangs. In response to a recent surge in violence, the Jamaican government implemented a state of emergency Dec. 29 for many areas of the country, including St. James parish. The measure allows for security forces to conduct searches and arrests without court warrants.