The crime in Jamaica continues to rise and has claimed over 15,000 lives since January 1, this year.
A total of 1,500 people have been murdered in Jamaica so far this year, including 51 children, according to figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Periodic Serious and Violence Review. This compares to a total of 1,350 people who were murdered in that country last year.
Majority of victims are male
The figures show that nearly 1,400 men have been murdered in Jamaica January leaving many households now without a father or a male figure.
According to the JCF data, 1,350 males have so far been killed this year due to violence. The data also revealed that between 2013 and this year 5,328 men have been murdered in Jamaica, while 569 women and 236 children died violently during the four year period.
The data also reveal 51 children have been murdered this year, as compared with 37 last year.
Guns the main weapon
The JCF figures show that guns have been used in 82 per cent of the killings here, with 1,228 people killed by the gun; 106 by knife; 44 by machete and 113 by other implements.
Murder at funeral
Meanwhile, two people were shot and killed after gunmen opened fire during a funeral service at a church in East Kingston Sunday.
The gunmen shot at least nine people.
Media reports said that three armed men arrived at the Kings Chapel on Sunday and opened fire at persons standing in the church yard.
There are reports one of the gunmen was held and severely beaten by residents and is now under police guard at hospital.
The mourners were attending the funeral service for Romaine White, otherwise called “Boisey”, who was fatally stabbed in the capital on November 29.
No one has been held for his murder.
