TikToker 41 Busshead’s murder opens up potential for gang feud- Chang

The St James police are trying to prevent any reprisals after the shooting death of popular TikToker and social media personality, Marlon Samuels, popularly known as '41 Busshead', in Montego Bay on Friday night.

The 23-year-old resident of Rose Heights was shot dead by unknown assailants hours before his 24th birthday on Saturday.

According to reports, Samuels was shot around 10pm after walking towards his car on North Lane. His attackers then fled the scene.

The TikToker succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

In reacting to the murder, National Security Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Horace Chang, told reporters on Saturday that the police are stepping up their efforts to ensure that the situation does not escalate.

"Last night's killing is opening up the potential of a gang conflict which we are aware of..., and I know the police is gonna take every step to prevent the kind of retaliation and war that could break out between two gangs in Montego Bay," stated Chang.

He added, however, that he does not believe persons who use such social media platforms are being targeted.

Additionally, he said Samuels' relation to someone in the criminal underworld could be "purely" coincidental.

File photo of Dr Horace Chang (right foreground) in Montego Bay, St James during a security operation there.

"I think the fact that this TikToker (Samuels) is related to someone who is considered a leader in the underworld in Montego Bay is purely coincidental.

"You know Jamaicans enjoy the social media space; we are talkers, and therefore, we enjoy social media, and a lot of Jamaicans (are) on social media everywhere. So, I don't think there is any systematic attempt to silent any member of it from any angle at all," Chang declared.

"But, in this case, he (Samuels) is related to, indirectly, elements which are currently in conflict in the community, and we're taking steps to effectively manage that," Chang, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the parish, elaborated.

Samuels had built a significant following on social media platforms TikTok and Instagram, where he was known for his engaging content.

Tragically, his death occurred shortly after he did a live feed on Instagram, part of which was filmed at a hair salon. Samuels had his hair combed and styled in anticipation for his 24th  birthday celebrations on Saturday.

Friends and fans have been paying tribute to him, saying the death has left them shocked and heartbroken.

Samuels' murder came days after fellow social media influencer, Xavier 'Niah Gang' Fogah, was shot and killed during a live TikTok session in Old Harbour, St Catherine on December 7.

Similarly, his death gripped social media users.