La Roose mayhem - One slain, eight injured in shooting, stampede
March 24, 2008
Investigators are still trying to ascertain the motive behind the shooting death of a man and injuries to seven others at a British Link Up dance held at the popular La Roose nightclub in Portmore, St Catherine, yesterday morning.
The dead man has been identified as 41-year-old Clifton Reid of Anthony Road, Kingston 5. Six persons, including a female, received gunshot wounds during the incident, while two others were injured in an ensuing stampede. The event attracted hundreds of patrons.
Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Benjamin said it was unclear what triggered the altercation.
"It happened in the morning. Many persons have left the venue, some gone home, some at hospital. So it will take some time to interview the relevant persons to find out what caused the shooting," said Benjamin.
Shoot-out/stampede
Sergeant Troy Anderson of the Constabulary Communication Network, the police information arm, said a gunfight erupted between patrons about 7:45 a.m.
"During the mêlée, six persons, including Reid, were shot. He died on the spot," said Anderson.
A patron, who requested anonymity, told The Gleaner that he heard at least six gunshots. He said patrons stormed the exit as shots were fired, causing the stampede inside the venue.
"People were running on top of each other," he said.
The injured persons were taken to the Kingston Public and Spanish Town hospitals.
Efforts to reach promoters of the popular show were unsuccessful.
The Major Investigation Task Force is imploring persons with information to contact them at 948-1329, Operation Kingfish at 811, or Crime Stop at 311.
Author: Shelly-Ann Thompson
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
