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Police have identified two persons of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock in the community of Denham Town in Kingston.
Investigators say the individuals, known only by the aliases “Juby” and “Romy,” are believed to be linked to the Scream Corner gang. Authorities have instructed them to report to the Denham Town Criminal Investigation Branch within 24 hours.
The announcement comes as police continue probing a gun attack that occurred early Saturday morning at a home on Nelson Street, where gunmen reportedly opened fire on a family, leaving the young child dead and two others injured.
Officials say the incident may be connected to a possible resurgence of gang activity in the area.
Key Details
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Police named two persons of interest: “Juby” and “Romy.”
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Both are said to be associated with the Scream Corner gang.
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The fatal shooting occurred early Saturday morning on Nelson Street in Denham Town.
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Three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock was killed during the attack.
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The child’s father and another child were also injured and taken to hospital.
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Police believe the incident may be linked to renewed gang rivalry in the community.
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The area has been under curfew as part of security operations.
Background
The shooting incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday at a residence that also operates as a business establishment on Nelson Street.
According to preliminary reports, armed men reportedly arrived at the location posing as customers before suddenly opening fire on the occupants of the home.
During the attack, Zaylon Pinnock, his father, and another child were shot. All three victims were rushed to hospital for treatment. Doctors later confirmed that the three-year-old had died from his injuries, while the other two victims were admitted for medical care.
Investigators from the Jamaica Constabulary Force have since intensified operations in the community, working to determine the circumstances behind the attack and identify those responsible.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary Phipps stated that the investigation is still in its early stages but early intelligence suggests that the violence may be linked to gang activity in Denham Town.
Authorities believe the attack could be connected to ongoing rivalry between criminal groups competing for control of territory within the community.
Police officials noted that Denham Town had remained relatively calm for some time due to targeted interventions by law enforcement. However, recent developments indicate that tensions may be rising again.
Security forces have been conducting operational activities in the area as part of efforts to maintain order and prevent further violence. The community has also been under a curfew imposed by joint security commanders since earlier in the week.
Quotes
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary Phipps said investigators are still gathering details about the incident.
“We are at the preliminary stages of our investigations into this shooting incident which resulted in the death of this three-year-old,” he explained.
He added that early information suggests the violence may be linked to a resurgence of gang activity within the Denham Town community and ongoing rivalry over territorial control.
Phipps also noted that the police will continue operational responses in the area as part of efforts to stabilise the community and maintain peace.
Analysis
The killing of a young child during a gun attack has once again highlighted the broader issue of gang-related violence in parts of Kingston.
Experts have long warned that turf conflicts between criminal groups often place innocent residents at risk, especially in densely populated communities where homes and businesses operate close together.
When gunmen target individuals connected to rival groups, family members and bystanders can become unintended victims. Incidents like this underscore the importance of sustained law enforcement presence, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement.
The police decision to publicly name persons of interest may also signal a strategic move aimed at encouraging cooperation from the public and accelerating the investigation.
At the same time, curfews and operational sweeps are often used to prevent retaliatory attacks while investigators work to identify suspects and gather evidence.
If the violence is indeed linked to renewed gang tensions, authorities may need to increase intervention efforts to prevent further escalation within Denham Town and surrounding communities.
Our Opinion
The death of three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock is a heartbreaking reminder of how gang violence can affect the most vulnerable members of society. While the police response and ongoing investigation are important steps, long-term safety will require a combination of enforcement, community support, and sustained social intervention programmes. Restoring stability in Denham Town will depend not only on finding those responsible but also on addressing the conditions that allow criminal networks to operate within communities.
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