Jamaica: Police suspect contract hit in murder of businesswoman

The Iconic Car Wash and Wheel Alignment Centre along Foreshore Road, Falmouth, Trelawny where Cargill Gardener was gunned down on Friday.
The Iconic Car Wash and Wheel Alignment Centre along Foreshore Road, Falmouth, Trelawny where Cargill Gardener was gunned down on Friday.

(Jamaica Observer) One of the suspected “hitmen” was shot dead, while his crony was shot and injured by a licensed firearm holder who challenged them. A third man escaped.

The deceased have been identified as 50-year-old businesswoman Jacqueline Cargill Gardener of Florence Hall, Trelawny, and 31-year-old Phillip Grennion of Second Street, Albion, Montego Bay, St James.

Reports are that about 4:15 pm, Cargill Gardener was at her business place along Foreshore Road in Falmouth, Trelawny when she was pounced upon and peppered with gunshots by three gunmen.

A firefight began after a licensed firearm holder, who was close by, went to the businesswoman’s assistance and was engaged by the gunmen who shot at him.

The police were called after the gunmen fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a motor car.

Grennion was subsequently found suffering from gunshot wounds by the police who extensively combed the area.

He was taken to the Falmouth Public General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

During a further search of the area a 29-year-old man of Tower Hill, Unity Hall, St James, also found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital where he was admitted and placed under police guard.

A handgun was recovered.

Both Grennion and the 29-year-old man of Tower Hill have had brushes with the law in St James.

Meanwhile, acting commander of the Trelawny Police Division, Deputy Superintendent Winston Milton said that robbery was not the reason that the businesswoman was killed.

“We have ruled out robbery as a motive for this murder. However, we are still pursuing investigation to determine the cause,” DSP Milton stated.

The police are seeking a man known as Levaughn Williams, 25, also called “Bulby” of Dutch Hill, south Trelawny and Wakeland Drive, Trelawny whom they believed may be able to assist with their investigation.

The police are asking Williams to report to the Falmouth Police Station.

“We believe that Mr Williams can assist us in the investigation of this matter. Anybody knowing the whereabouts of Mr Williams is asked to contact the Falmouth Police at 8769543222,” DSP Milton stated.

“We are also appealing to Mr Williams to give himself up to the police to assist us in this very important investigation.”