Since Tuesday night, at least five persons have been shot, one fatally, in Seaforth, St. Thomas.

Voniel McDonald, 26, was killed on Boxing night by gunmen at School Lane in the community. Miss McDonald's brother, Leron McDonald, 29; his eight-year-old daughter; and Dwayne Reid, 17; of Retreat in the parish were also injured.

Less than a day later, Milton Johnson, 49, was shot in what was said to be a reprisal shooting for McDonald's death. About noon on Wednesday, Mr. Johnson was shot in the mouth, hand, stomach and groin, while he was at a clothing store he operated inside the Seaforth market.

Killed on the spot

Reports from the Constabulary Communication Network are that, about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, two gunmen went to a shop owned by Miss McDonald where they opened fire, killing her on the spot. The three other persons were in the vicinity.

Police reports are that Miss McDonald's murder is a reprisal shooting stemming from a gang war.

Leron McDonald was treated and released from hospital while, up to late yesterday, his daughter was in critical care at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston and Reid in stable condition at the Princess Margaret Hospital in St. Thomas.

Yesterday, Superintendent of Police for the parish, Steve McGregor, and a team of 18 police officers patrolled the rural community for several hours. The police said they will be maintaining a strong presence in the community in anticipation of further shootings.

The partially commercialised community in western St. Thomas has experienced periodic outbursts of violence in the past, said to be linked to gang war and politics.