THE bloodshed that marked 2009 as one of Jamaica's most violent years continued unabated yesterday with the police reporting that gunmen shot dead four persons as the country ushered in the New Year.
The four murders compared to three that were reported on the first day of 2009.
These women above mourn the murder of Patrick McDonald outside the National Arena yesterday morning where the annual Black and White Party was held. (Photo: Marlon Reid)
The first recorded death yesterday was that of Ricardo Goulbourne, 22, of Spring Village, Old Harbour in St Catherine.
Police reported that about five minutes into the New Year Goulbourne was at home with a female companion when he was called outside by a man who shot him several times before escaping.
Goulbourne was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital where he died while being treated.
His female companion was not hurt.
Two hours later, detectives from the Kingston Central Criminal Investigation Bureau were called to probe the shooting death of 23-year-old Joel Johnson.
The police said residents of Lissant Road summoned them after hearing explosions.
Investigators who went to the area saw Johnson's body with several gunshot wounds on the roadway. Johnson lived in Pleasant Hill, St Mary.
Meanwhile, the popular Black and White Party at the National Arena ended in chaos yesterday morning after gunmen shot dead a patron.
The police said the gunmen approached 31-year-old Patrick McDonald of a Spanish Town, St Catherine address and peppered him with bullets as he attempted to leave the venue.
The shooting, which occurred just before dawn when the party was in full swing, sent scared patrons scurrying for cover and causing a near stampede in the indoor venue.
The shooting resulted in the promoters pulling the plug on the popular event which drew thousands of patrons.
The last murder reported by the police occurred in the parish of Manchester in Comfort Hall district.
The victim has been identified as Michael Thomas, 29.
Police said Thomas was involved in a dispute with a group of men who shot him. Thomas was taken to the Mandeville Hospital where he was pronounced dead
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