A mass shooting at a wake in St. Catherine, Jamaica, early Wednesday morning left one man dead and eight others injured.
The wake, held near the Point Hill community to honor the late grandmother of reggae artist Christopher Martin, was disrupted when two gunmen opened fire.
The incident took place around 12:40 a.m. as the gunmen approached the house where several mourners had gathered, walking down a dirt road. Without warning, they began shooting indiscriminately, sending the crowd into a panic.
Among those shot was 34-year-old Oniel Spencer of Point Hill, who initially managed to escape the first wave of gunfire. Tragically, as he attempted to leave his hiding place and return home, he was ambushed and fatally shot. Spencer was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Eight other attendees sustained injuries in the attack, with two reported in critical condition. One person was treated and released.
The St. Catherine North Police are investigating the incident but have not yet identified a motive for the shooting.
The community remains on edge as authorities work to bring those responsible to justice.
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Christopher Martin has since spoken out about the incident on his Instagram account, condemning the violence.
“My heart is heavy this morning as I reflect on the tragic events that occurred last night at my beloved grandmother’s wake. She was a woman of deep faith and endless sacrifice, someone who taught me the true meaning of love and community. It’s devastating to see violence cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of peace and remembrance,” Martin wrote.
“I condemn all forms of violence and extend my deepest sympathies to the families affected by this senseless act. I pray for those involved to come forward and for our community to support the authorities in bringing justice. Jamaica, we must do better. Life is too precious to be consumed by violence. Let’s choose peace,” he added.
