A wake in Cotton Tree Village turned deadly early this morning when gunfire claimed the lives of two men. Police say one of the victims was the intended target, and two suspects are now detained. News Five’s Shane Williams was in Cotton Tree today and files the following report.
Shane Williams
Shane Williams, Reporting
“Two men are dead following a shooting at a wake in Cotton Tree Village, early this morning. The victims have been identified as Fernando Jones and Esau Perez. Police say the two men were on the roadside at a wake for Kenisha Hyde when they were shot sometime around three o’clock this morning. Both men died at the scene. Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Both Perez and Jones were at a wake in that village and when Jones was leaving that location, an armed male person emerged and fired several shots at Mr. Jones injuring him and whilst making his escape, he also fired in the direction of Mr. Perez, which resulted in him being wounded.”
Police believe Jones was the intended target and have already detained two suspects.
ASP Stacy Smith
“Mr. Jones, who is known to police, is believed to have been the intended target.”
Reporter
“Do police have any, you said, I know you said it’s groups of people in that area but do you have any named suspects that you’re looking for?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“We have suspects detained, and as the investigation continues and information becomes necessary to be issued, that will be done.”
Police say the shooting appears to be connected to an ongoing dispute between factions operating in this area and are working to prevent retaliation.
ASP Stacy Smith
“Police were on the ground last night. I will also say that the commissioner, in his review of the patrol operation last night, observed something that he was not satisfied with. And certainly, we are making adjustments in that regard and really holding those persons accountable. But to answer to your question, there is a patrol that is stationed in that village for the very reason, because we had noted of recent, earlier in the year, whereby incidents of such nature have the propensity to occur and that’s why operational efforts were placed there. However, there was a lapse and we’ve noted that. And as I stated, actions will be taken and we believe that the operations in that area will continue.”
“There is a funeral just about to conclude for Kenisha Hyde and another community gathering following. Police patrol remains stationed in the area as officers attempt to respect the Hydes’ grieving process while managing the anger of Jones and Perez’s relatives and friends. Reporting from Cotton Tree Village for News Five, I’m Shane Williams.”
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