Old Harbour’s most wanted still at large

The St Catherine South commander identified the suspects as Desmond Kelly, alias "Chuku," and Tuwayne Marshall, alias "Stinger," both sought in connection with serious crimes.

Detectives have been on the hunt for Kelly of Narine Lane, Old Harbour Bay, for close to two years but his capture has proven elusive so far. Kelly, 29, has been in hiding after absconding bail. He was arrested and charged with assault at common-law and prohibition of an illegal weapon for the alleged beating of a woman on October 27, 2023. According to investigation, it is believed that Kelly has fled to neighbouring country of Haiti currently mired in prolonged political and social unrest. This, the police contend, has made capturing Kelly more difficult, but they continue to coordinate with their Haitian counterparts. 

Investigators are also in hot pursuit of Marshall, who has been linked to the July 12, 2024 murder of 50-year-old dad-of-three O’niel Bailey of Bannister. Marshall has been fingered in numerous crimes committed within the Old Harbour space including larceny, robbery and extortion, according to the police. 

Unlike Kelly, investigators believe that Marshall is hiding somewhere in Jamaica and has been doing a very good job staying off radar. 

SSP Gray also listed Brian Bryce and Christopher Barrett, both of Gregory Park; Wayne Hutchinson, Deegus Sibbles; and Mario Barnes, otherwise called ‘Jet’ as wanted by the police in connection with major crimes such as murders and shootings. 

Despite these challenges, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Phillips reported a 36% decrease in murders in Area 5 which comprises the police divisions of St Catherine South, St Catherine North, St Andrew North and St Thomas. Police data shows 95 homicides recorded this year, down from 145 during the same period in 2024. 

“We were really considering under a hundred murders for the area this year, but some persons would say that’s too ambitious. But we will continue to aim for that and we understand that there are still some persons out there who are still determined to undermine our efforts. But I want to encourage our citizens to don’t give up hope as it is just a matter of time before we get to that handful of murderers,” he said while noting a 22% decline in shootings.

ACP Phillips further noted, however, property crimes, including robberies, break-ins, larceny, and aggravated assault, have increased, prompting targeted police responses. “As an area we are looking at these challenges and our command has already started their responses within the different divisions,” he said. 

ACP Phillips credited the crime reduction to a combination of intelligence-led operations and hardcore policing, but emphasized that social intervention programmes, such as youth clubs, school peace ambassadors, and community safety initiatives, are equally vital in sustaining progress.

Meanwhile, SSP Gray added that four gangs in Old Harbour where among nine organized syndicated crime groups targeted by the police in the last quarter. Arising from these targeted operations, 30 gangsters were apprehended with “a lot of these persons” convicted or still before court. A total of 18 illegal guns and 219 assorted rounds of ammunitions were seized during these operations, SSP Gray said.