Contradicting accounts emerge in Balaclava police shooting —Indecom probing

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Indecom investigators on Wednesday continued their investigation into the fatal shooting of Jowayne Salmon, commonly called “Mani”, by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The incident took place in Balaclava, north-eastern St Elizabeth, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at approximately 3:40 pm. According to a release from Indecom, police reported having received information of armed men on motorcycles. On the approach of two riders, the lawmen reportedly signalled them to stop and were met with gunfire, which was returned. The police further reported that Salmon was subsequently shot and injured and later succumbed to his injuries, while his co-cyclist reportedly rode away. A firearm was said to have been recovered. Civilian reports contradict the account of the law enforcement officers and indicate that the officers discharged their firearms at the riders without any lawful basis. Salmon and his co-rider had reportedly attended to court matters at the Balaclava Court. The community impact of the incident was manifest in south west St Elizabeth, where Salmon resides. Relatives and community members voiced their protest over the incident and staged a demonstration to bring public attention to the matter. Indecom investigators and Family Liaison Officer (FLO) visited Salmon’s community and interviewed witnesses in furtherance of the investigation. "As a policy, in addition to its investigative work, Indecom’s Family Liaison Officers identify and attend to any emotional distress arising from an incident. The FLO will refer adults and children, where necessary, to grief counselling by the Victim Services Branch, in addition to any other necessary social intervention needs identified," Indecom said. "The commission liaises with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and makes referrals for several forms of intervention while ensuring empathetic and sympathetic contact with grieving relatives or complainants". According to Indecom, up to September 23, 25 fatalities have occurred involving the security forces’ discharge of firearms since the start of the month. The year-to-date figure for law enforcement fatal shootings stands at 223, it added. Indecom is appealing to individuals with information or pictorial or video material concerning Tuesday’s incident, to contact the commission at its Central Regional Office at the Cobblestone Professional Centre, 1 Brumalia Road, Mandeville, Manchester, telephone (876) 961-1542 or (876) 968-1932. They may also contact the Indecom Senior Public Relations Officer at (876) 553-0000, email [denyelle.anderson@indecom.gov.jm](mailto:denyelle.anderson@indecom.gov.jm) or [info@indecom.gov.jm](mailto:info@indecom.gov.jm). READ:

Man fatally shot by police in Balaclava, firearm seized