Two men were charged last week in connection with the killing of Kemo Lettsome on April 30, 2023, in Long Look, police said.
Members of the police Major Incident Team arrested Vernon Bernard, 32, of Manuel Reef, and Jelani Marquis, 28, of Hannahs Estate, on April 24 following an intensive investigation that lasted nearly a year, according to a statement released the same day by the Police Information Office.
Mr. Lettsome, 37, was shot during a family gathering at a residence near The Stickett, and he died at the scene, officials have said.
“Initial inquiries indicate that the shooter drove by the residence in a vehicle around 6:30 p.m., discharged several bullets, and left in the same vehicle,” according to a joint statement issued at the time by then-Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
“Much more information is needed to help with investigations into this incident.”
The statement added that Mr. Lettsome was “gunned down senselessly and defenselessly,” and it appealed to the public to provide information about the killing and two previous shooting deaths that occurred earlier in the same year.
‘Breakthrough’
Last week, police described the arrests as a “significant breakthrough” that has provided Mr. Lettsome’s family and the wider community with hope for “closure and healing.”
“I commend the exemplary dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who have been instrumental in reaching this pivotal stage of the investigation,” Police Commissioner Mark Collins said. “Their commitment to justice and community safety has been unwavering, and it’s their hard work that brings us closer to justice for the victim and his family.”
The investigation is still ongoing, and the police stated that they are making “every effort” to gather all necessary evidence.
“We will continue to provide updates as they become available while respecting the investigation’s integrity,” the April 24 statement added.
Police are urging anyone with information about any killing to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800- 8477 (TIPS) or their Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. They said all information received will be treated as confidential.