Gunman fired multiple shots

(CNS): Police have now confirmed that the 23-year-old man shot dead in George Town last night was Jackson Rainford, a Jamaican national who was living in Spotts Newlands. Rainford was reportedly shot several times by a single gunman while sitting in the passenger seat of a white Honda Civic. A police spokesperson said the gunman made his escape from the scene on foot. A 20-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after 1.00am Monday in connection with the shooting and remains in police custody while enquiries continue. Detective Superintendent Marlon Bodden is urging anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting to contact the enquiry team.

The incident occurred at about 10.30pm last night, Sunday 16 December, when Rainford was sitting in the car in Shedden Road near to Printers Way. The shooter, armed with a firearm, approached the vehicle and shot the victim several times before running off.  According to the police report, the driver of the civic was not injured in the incident. When police arrived on the scene a short time later, officers tried in vain to resuscitate Rainford and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The crime scene was initially searched last night and then remained sealed off until a further search could be carried out in daylight, but the scene and surrounding roads were reopened around 10:20 am today.

A murder incident room has been established at George Town police station and a team of 15 officers is currently dedicated to the investigation. DS Bodden urged anyone who may have information to call the murder team directly on 649-3057 or 649-4522. Alternatively, people can call the confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 (TIPS).

Only two weeks before the end of the year, this is the first murder to take place in Cayman in 2012.