Kingston mayor urges residents not to take matters into their own hands following murder of market supervisor

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby is urging residents of Mona Commons, St. Andrew not to take matters into their own hands following the murder of Papine Market supervisor, 53-year-old Colleen “Sonnia” Bernard.

Ms. Bernard was shot and killed last Friday about 3:30 p.m. while reportedly carrying out her duties and collecting market fees from vendors at the Papine Market.

Reports are that she was approached by a gunman who opened fire hitting her multiple times.

A police officer who was in the vicinity reportedly witnessed the attack and pursued the suspect.

The lawman allegedly exchanged gunfire with the gunman before managing to subdue him.

Both Bernard and the wounded suspect were assisted to hospital where Bernard was pronounced dead.

The police have indicated that investigators are seeking to determine a motive for the killing.

Mr Swaby said residents should remain calm and allow the police to carry out a full investigation into the incident, while cautioning against persons analysing the matter on their own before investigators conclude their probe.