By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterIN LESS than a week, at least seven persons have been shot in Clarendon, three fatally, as gunmen continue to terrorise and intimidate residents of several communities in the parish.
Gunmen struck there yesterday, killing a 35-year-old building contractor who was taking a walk with his 15-year-old son. The police identified the contractor as Peter Bailey, also called 'Bugs', of Fosmore Drive, May Pen.
Reports are that about 7:30 a.m., Mr. Bailey and his son were walking along Fosmore Drive when a white Toyota motor car drove up and one of the men got out and shot Mr. Bailey several times. He died at the scene. His son was hit in the left arm and has since been treated at hospital.
The May Pen Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) told The Gleaner yesterday that prior to the shooting, the car was seen driving around the community and it is theorised that the occupants were either waiting to spot or were searching for Mr. Bailey.
Of the 740 persons murdered throughout the island since January, 51 were slain in Clarendon. On Thursday night a couple were attacked and shot in Mineral Heights by gunmen travelling in a grey motor car. The husband, Barrington Campbell, 31, a businessman who operates a store in May Pen, died at the scene; his 43-year-old wife was hospitalised in a stable condition.
On Monday, three persons were shot at a bar in Sandy Bay; one succumbed to his injuries. A week ago three gunmen with M-16 rifles robbed a businessman in the Salt River area.
Reports are that three men, one of whom is said to be an ex-convict, have been on a rampage throughout the parish, killing and robbing citizens.
"The Salt River road is a very dangerous place when night comes," a group of residents told a Gleaner news team on Saturday. The police believe that two of the recent killings could have been 'contract hits', as the victims had been involved in disputes over money.
