Noel Thompson and Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writers

Residents observe policemen examining the scene where 39-year-old shopkeeper, Lindon Willis, was killed in Fletcher's Land, Kingston, Tuesday morning. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

As fear and tension continue to mount across some of the country's tough inner-city communities, the relatives and friends of two of the six victims murdered between Monday night and Tuesday morning wept uncontrollably yesterday at different crime scenes in Kingston and St. James.

Gripped by emotion, the relatives of Prince Christie pounded on a hearse transporting the bullet-riddled body of Christie, who was killed by gunmen on Monday night. Reports are that he was shot at least eight times.

But while they wept openly over his body, they were oblivious to the fact that a close friend of theirs had also been viciously murdered about two miles away on King Street, Montego Bay.

The other victim, Steve 'Powers' Genus, a 29-year-old taxi operator, was allegedly killed by the same men who had earlier snuffed out Christie's life.

The two homicides have pushed the number of persons killed in St. James since the start of the year to 19. Both men met their demise just hours after members of the security forces had lifted a curfew which had been imposed in the troubled community of Norwood.

In the meantime, the death of 39-year-old shopkeeper Lindon Willis has left the small community of Johns Lane in Fletcher's Land, Kingston, stunned. Willis and his relatives have been operating the grocery shop for more than 20 years and are well known to residents.

Humble and caring

One of his customers, Anthony Thomas, described him as a humble and caring shopkeeper who gave credit to his goods to customers whenever they could not afford to pay.

"If your money is short, you can still go there and get what you want," said Mr. Thomas, who went there the previous night and purchased a phone card.

He owed Mr. Willis a balance of $5 and was returning yesterday to pay his small bill when he learned of the shopkeeper's death. He was shot and killed shortly after 5:00 a.m.

"I went there about 7:00 p.m. and I buy a Swizzle and Capri Sun juices, and a Lasco Whole Milk. He gave me back $120 change and then I realise that I want a phone card," said Mr. Thomas.

"I say, 'Lindon, I only have $120, give me the card'. It is just unbelievable, just couple hours before I was talking to him, and the man just gone," said Mr. Thomas.