POLICE PROGRESS IN READING, ST JAMES TRIPLE SHOOTING INVESTIGATION
The High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting significant progress in the investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman and the wounding of two others, including a police officer and a child, in Reading, St James, on Saturday, August 09, 2025.
The deceased has been identified as 36-year-old Latoya Crystal Stephenson, a Human Resources Manager of West Village, St James. Two other victims – a police officer attached to the Area 1 Lottery Scam Task Force, and a five-year-old boy – remain under medical care. The officer is recovering steadily, while the child remains in critical condition following multiple surgeries.
Investigations to date indicate that members of the Katon Defence Force (KDF) Gang were contracted to kill the policeman and his family at a cost of $100,000. The victims were targeted by gunmen after arriving in the vicinity of a night club in Reading. The High Command bemoans the little value placed on human life by these criminals, to the extent that persons are willing to pay and accept paltry sums to wipe out entire families.
A woman was taken into custody in Hanover on Wednesday, August 13. Additionally, further operational activities have been conducted, resulting in three gang members being neutralised by the police. One man, identified by investigators as a principal suspect; Orlando Thomas, otherwise called ‘Ninja’ was fatally shot during a confrontation with police in St James.
In another operation leader of the KDF Gang, Andre Reid, otherwise called ‘Likkle Zul’ was also killed in an armed confrontation with the police. Intelligence reports named him as a High Risk Target, implicated in a number of other violent crimes. At the time of his death, Reid was reporting on bail after being charged with a double murder.
Investigators are pursuing all available leads and are working closely with forensic and intelligence units to bring the matter to a conclusion. Formal charges are expected to be laid shortly.
The High Command extends its prayers to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and to the two surviving victims. The JCF remains committed to bringing those responsible for violent crimes to justice and safeguarding our communities.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
