(Jamaica Gleaner) Known as a transnational contract killer who considered the gun his “best friend”, Cedric ‘Doggie’ Murray was on Thursday cut down in a daring daylight gun battle during a police operation at the border of Manchester and Clarendon.
On his body, the police found a diary which detailed his admiration for alleged crime boss Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, for whom he fought during the May 24 incursion into Tivoli Gardens, which left more than 70 people dead.
Murray, a top lieutenant for Coke and the leader of the infamous Stone Crusher gang with its primary headquarters in Norwood, St James, was also celebrating his 37th birthday on the day of his demise.
“We know that he left Montego Bay and went to Tivoli Gardens where he occupied an enviable position in gang activities,” Superintendent Merrick Watson, head of the St James Police Division, said during a press briefing at the Montego Freeport Police Station.
“Doggie was on the St James police most-wanted list in excess of five years for a number of murders committed in the parish, as well as several other murders,” Watson said.
Along with the diary, a Sig-Pro 9mm firearm was reportedly seized from Murray.
The Gleaner understands that forensic tests were being employed as part of the identification process.
“Two persons have already identified Murray, but we are still carrying out further checks to ensure, without any doubt whatsoever, that this person is indeed Cedric Murray,” added Watson.
Reports are that about 7:30 a.m., Murray and a man were travelling in a car when they came upon the police. The driver, who is believed to have been shot, escaped.
Excerpts from Murray’s voluminous diary, which detailed events prior to, during and after the May 24 west Kingston incursion, were read to members of the media.
“May 24, invasion of Tivoli Gardens by Babylon – the enemy.
“Gunshots rang out for hours from every corner in west Kingston and other places to protect the man: don of all dons, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke,” the diary read.
“My don is free. I will always say Jim Brown (Coke’s father). I am loyal to the Coke’s family and my gun will always be ready. I may never see my don again for years to come, but he knows I will always be there for him.
“I fired my AK-47 until my fingers were numb. I ate gunpowder until my throat was sore. Babylon feel seh man a fool like dem and dem can jus come and kill mi. Them betta know seh gangsta fi life. All out when mi get drawn out, straight bullet fi dem. My gun is my best friend. We are always together.”
Murray gained notoriety for his heinous murders – a trademark of the Stone Crusher syndicate. He was fingered in the February 2006 gangland-style gun slaying of brothers Fenel and Derrick Taylor, and a young woman at Blood Lane in Glendevon, St James.
Murray was considered sly, and it was widely held in Montego Bay that he wore only white when he went on his marauding sprees.
