Police sources from the St Catherine north division say they are bracing for a possible upsurge in violence following the murder of 53-year-old Lenford Hamilton, otherwise called 'Shatta John', reputed former leader of the Tawes Pen community in the parish.

According to police reports, Hamilton was gunned down on Tuesday afternoon after he went to visit his son in an area known as Buck Town, near Ensom City, also in St Catherine.

He was reportedly approached by a group of gunmen who shot him multiple times as he stood on the road.

notorious gang

One investigator told THE WEEKEND STAR that intelligence suggests that Hamilton's murder was carried out by members of a notorious gang which operates in section of the parish.

"These men have been bitter enemies for sometime now and the information we are getting on the ground suggests the murder may just well be linked to that feud," a highly ranked source from the division explained.

THE WEEKEND STAR also learned that Hamilton was released from prison just last month after serving more than 20 years for murder.

After being released from prison, Hamilton reportedly got a job as a groom at Caymanas Park also in the parish and was said to have kept a low profile.

Three persons from his family, including two of his brothers, were murdered while he was locked up, while his mother and other relative were forced out of Tawes Pen by thugs with whom he was feuding.

"See it deh now, dem neva stop til dem kill him ... Him bredda dem gone, him cousin gone, him madda did haffi run weh when him did inna prison ... Bway it serious," a female resident of Tawes Pen who strongly requested anonymity said.

Like her, other residents are expressing fear of what may transpire as a result of the don's death.

"Di man dem from ya so and di man dem from ova deh suh inna dem likkle ting from long time ... Now dat John dead any ting can gwaan ... All like me know mi a prepare fi di worst 'cause wi know how dem ya man ya terrible," another resident added.

"We are pretty much aware of the seriousness of the situation and will be doing whatever we can to keep the peace," the police source said.