Slain JDF member not linked to criminality based on preliminary checks

The police have found no evidence that slain soldier Andrae Thompson was linked to any criminality following a preliminary check of a criminal and intelligence management database as detectives seek to solve his murder, according to a well-placed source within law enforcement. The 37-year-old soldier was murdered on Eve Lane in Kingston around 11:00 pm on Sunday. Eve Lane sits between the National Heroes Park and Orange Street, not far from the popular Prestige Bakery. In a press release, the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) said cops assigned to the Kingston Central Division were investigating the fatal shooting of Thompson, who the police said lived in Independence City, Portmore, St Catherine. CCN said that at approximately 11:00 pm, residents heard explosions and summoned the police, who responded to find Thompson laying on his face beside a Toyota Axio motor car. He had multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Sources claimed that three men ran from the scene after the explosions were heard. Thompson was subsequently taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It is alleged that during the removal of his body from the scene, the police found a handgun in nearby bushes. The weapon was said to have been loaded with hollow-point cartridges, and Thompson was believed to be the owner of that firearm. It is further alleged that the location where Thompson's body was found is frequently used by criminal elements to dump bodies, among other illegal activities, because it carries very little vehicular and pedestrian traffic and is less likely to attract attention. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) on Monday said that its chaplaincy and welfare department is providing counselling and support services to the family of Thompson, a member amongst its ranks. In a statement, the JDF said that it was helping the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as it investigates Thompson's killing. "The chaplaincy and welfare department is providing counselling services to the soldier's family. The JDF offers its sincere condolences to family, friends and loved ones during this time of bereavement," it said.

READ: JDF soldier shot dead in Kingston