Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Eight persons were shot, three fatally, following a drive-by shooting on Jarrett Lane in Mountain View, St Andrew, last night, in what residents believe is due to gang warfare.

One of the dead persons has been identified as 23-year-old labourer Abayonie Strachan of Jarrett Lane, while the police did not release the names of the other two persons up to press time last night.

Reports are that at approximately 7:15 p.m., a group of persons were standing in the vicinity of a bar in the area, when a barrage of gunshots was heard. It is believed that the unknown assailants opened fire on the group, hitting eight persons.

Subsequently, the injured persons were rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) where three were pronounced dead. Five received treatment for the gunshot wounds received.

When THE STAR arrived on the scene, detectives from the Rockfort Police Station were seen combing the cordoned-off area for clues.

The killings, residents told THE STAR, are due to an ongoing turf war between rival gangs in the neighbouring communities of Pleasant Heights, Johnson Town and Waricka Hill, that have reportedly been at odds with gangs from Jarrett Lane.

"A long time story, but den now a di spring a di root a it. This is a drive-by and dem shoot up di corner and shoot these men. Dem a use di money from di scamming fi arm dem self wid gun. Dem have a constant war and we tell dem say it fi stop and nobody nah stop it," a grieved resident told THE STAR.

THE STAR learnt that up to Tuesday night, ominous gunshots could be heard in the area, seemingly hinting at events to come.

"Last night, yuh hear dem a bark gun, a test out gun," said one resident.

Meanwhile, Jarrett Lane dwellers remain restive as they said that the cycle of violence is sure to continue.

"Shot a go wail, people a go dead. Di yute dem weh dead a people weh di community respect. So dem a go want justice for dem," a resident stated, seemingly hinting at reprisal killings.

Investigations are ongoing.