Police: Beckford was wanted for several crimes

Police investigators say a man who was shot and killed after allegedly engaging cops in a shootout at Innswood Estate in St. Catherine last week, was wanted for murder and other serious crimes.

The Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), said 26-year-old Ricardo Beckford was wanted for the killing of Damion McCurdy on June 4.

CCN said he was also wanted for rape, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and robbery with aggravation arising from an incident in Wynter’s Pen, St. Catherine, in which a woman was sexually assaulted and robbed.

In addition, CCN said Beckford, who is more popularly known as ‘Papa’, was facing charges of shooting with intent and robbery with aggravation arising from an incident in which another woman was shot at after she was robbed.

It’s reported that members of a police team were conducting an operation at Innswood Estate when they came under gunfire.

The fire was reportedly returned and Beckford was shot during the exchange.

The police say a firearm containing seven rounds of ammunition was seized at the scene.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is probing the incident.

editorial@gleanerjm.com