Murder count jumps to double digits after recent decline

Jamaica’s weeks of low homicide counts came to an end last week as 23 murders were recorded, the highest in recent weeks of single-digit killings.

The killings, which occurred between August 23 and 30, brought the island back to the 2024 average weekly murder count, according to the police’s latest serious crime statistics.

The report shows that as of August 30, Jamaica’s murder toll stands at 459, representing a 42 per cent decline compared to the same period last year.

A week earlier, between August 16 and 22, 14 murders were recorded, and the week prior, August 9 to 16, saw just seven. The spike last week was largely driven by 11 homicides over two days, from Tuesday to Thursday morning.

Among the 19 police divisions, St Andrew South leads with 55 homicides, followed by St James and St Ann with 41 each, and St Catherine South with 40. Sixteen divisions have recorded reductions in murders compared to last year.

Other serious crimes, including shootings, injured persons, and rape, have also declined, while robberies and break-ins have risen by 11 and 29 per cent, respectively. Overall, crime across the island is down 16 per cent.

The continued decline in murders has been a major talking point during political campaigns leading up to the general election on Wednesday.

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