As the first anniversary of the Cherry Tree Lane murders approaches, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reaffirming its commitment to securing justice for the victims and their families. The Area Three Major Investigation Division continues its probe into the shooting that left eight people dead and several others injured on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Clarendon. 

On August 11, 2024, at about 8:45 pm, a group of men in a Toyota motor car drove up to a birthday party in the community and opened fire on the attendees. The police were alerted, and upon their arrival, they saw several individuals with gunshot wounds. These victims were taken to the hospital, where eight were pronounced dead, including a seven-year-old child; others were treated for their injuries. 

The shooting claimed the lives of 57-year-old Errol Stewart, 50-year-old Lawrence Francis, 40-year-old Margaret Bonner, 32-year-old Jermaine Boothe, 26-year-old Cavel Daley, 20-year-old  Diamond Bennett, seven-year-old Aiden Bartley, and Courtney Messam. 

Since the incident on August 11, the JCF reports that investigators have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. 

Three days after the shooting, on August 14, a person of interest in the case, 23-year-old Steve Smith, otherwise called ‘Thicka’, of Osbourne Store, Clarendon, was fatally shot during a confrontation with the police. He was later confirmed to be one of the perpetrators of the crime. 

Two additional suspects were arrested and charged on August 21, 2024, with eight counts of murder, eight counts of wounding with the use of a firearm, shooting with intent, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and possession of a prohibited weapon. 

Accused are: 

• Thirty-three-year-old Leighton Whyte, otherwise called ‘Bans’ of Havana Heights,  Clarendon 
• Twenty-eight-year-old Dushane Smalling, otherwise called ‘Snowman’ of North Street,  Clarendon 

Both men appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where they were remanded in custody. 

The case was last heard in the Home Circuit Court on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Both accused remain in custody, and the next mention of the case is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025. 

In the meantime, forensics are being analysed in pursuit of any additional leads. 

The police are urging anyone with information that could assist in this investigation to call Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, or the nearest police station.