(Jamaica Observer) CRIMINALS who continue to wreak havoc across the island have now snuffed out the lives of close to 1,000 people since the start of the year.
Statistics gathered by the Jamaica Observer showed that, up to the 14th of October, 981 people have been killed, which is a 25.4 per cent increase in killings when compared to corresponding period last year when 781 murders were recorded.
Statistics show that the parish of St James continues to record the highest number of murders, recording 171 so far, compared to 111 up to October 14 last year.
Clarendon follows closely behind with 107 murders, compared to 71 last year this time.
Hanover also has recorded a big jump, with 54 murders up to October 14, compared to 30 over the same period in 2014. Police say this is the highest ever for the tiny parish.
Police have blamed criminals involved in the lotto scam for the bulk of murders committed in the western parishes.
If the killings continue at this rate, the country could end the year with more than 1,200 murders. The country ended 2014 with 1,005 murders — the lowest in 11 years.
