Five people have been arrested, and an illegal firearm was seized by the police in connection with Sunday’s mass shooting in the community of Cherry Tree Lane in Four Paths, Clarendon.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, who gave the update during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (August 14), said one of the individuals turned himself over to the police on Tuesday (August 13).

“We continue to work tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the rule of law. Our investigation has made significant progress revealing connections to at least six previous violent incidents in Clarendon,” Bailey said.

“These incidents include a quadruple murder in Havanna Heights in 2021, a murder committed on April 21, 2024, and a subsequent shooting and arson that was committed on April 25 in West Park. The other incidents include a murder that was committed on April 29th in Cherry Tree Lane, a murder that was committed on May 11 along Foga Road in May Pen, as well as a murder that was committed on May 15 in York Town,” Bailey disclosed.

He said the police finding indicates that these criminal activities perpetrated in the parish are linked to local and international players. Bailey said people who are incarcerated are also connected to the incidents.

“The individuals who once were friends in Jamaica had a falling out in the United States over illegally obtained gains, leading to each taking homicidal contracts to incite fear and terror. Criminal actors in prison were contacted to facilitate these contracts through their criminal networks, resulting in the senseless bloodshed here in Jamaica,” said the deputy commissioner.

Bailey said the police remain committed to removing criminals from the streets and restoring public confidence and trust in the force’s ability to keep Jamaicans safe.

He added: “In light of this accepted duty, it is important that we isolate those who are responsible wherever they are and to offer our public the level of safety and assurance needed. We are mindful of the likely reprisal that will take place in several areas within and outside of Clarendon.

“I want to reassure the public that the security forces will use all resources available to mitigate any threat of reprisal and will be available to use other legislative tools that are available to us. We appeal to good conscience and those locally and within our diaspora to partner with us in identifying those criminal actors and sharing whatever you know with the police. Together we can create a safer, more joyous society for all.”

A state of public emergency has since been declared in the parish of Clarendon as the parish continue to record a high level of violence.