The Spanish Town police in St Catherine remained on high alert yesterday following the murder of 53-year-old Lenford Hamilton, otherwise known as 'Satta John', in Buck Town near Spanish Town.

Reports from the police are that, about 10:30 am, residents of the area heard explosions and later saw Hamilton's body in a pool of blood.

"We are prepared for any eventuality. The number of police personnel has been increased with more patrols. The police take the situation very seriously due to past experiences," Detective Sergeant Marvin Brookes told The Gleaner.

As news of the killing spread throughout the community, residents expressed mixed views about the former Tawes Pen strongman.

"The man just get released from prison about a month now and look what happen to him. Them really seem determined to kill him or else they wouldn't come here," said a female onlooker.

20 years for murder

Others also noted that Hamilton only enjoyed a brief period of freedom, having been locked away for more than 20 years for murder.

The police could not immediately say when he was released from prison.

Hamilton was convicted in 1984 for the 1983 murder of a police constable from Tawes Pen.

According to residents, he had fallen out of grace with members of the Tawes Pen community, over which he had dominion before his incarceration. This resulted in him seeking alternative accommodation.

Up to late yesterday evening, the police had not identified a motive for the shooting.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com