Portland businessman murdered in attack on family

Gareth Davis Sr., Gleaner Writer

The community of Norwich in Portland is in mourning following the murder of 44-year-old Philbert McDonald, a farmer and businessman of Ranch Hill Road shortly after 8:30 Saturday night.

It is reported that McDonald along with his common law wife, and niece, were pounced upon by two men as they were entering their house.

It is alleged that men then grabbed the woman and her niece, but McDonald, upon realising that their lives was threatened, tried to ward off one of his attackers.

During that time, the woman was reportedly screaming for help and murder, but no one came to their rescue.

According to the police, during a tussle with one of the men, Mcdonald was shot once in the chest area.

McDonald reportedly ran towards the house, but collapsed, while his attackers escaped into nearby bushes.

McDonald was pronounced dead by a doctor, who later arrived on the scene, and the body was later removed to the morgue.

Since the incident residents have raised serious concerns about their safety, as the deceased was well known and loved in the community.

According to one of the residents, who gave her name as Pauline Darby, it is rather frightening to see one of their own being murdered at the hands of gunmen, something, which is new to that community.

It is the second murder in the Port Antonio area in fewer than two weeks, following the stabbing death of a man at Spring Bank Road last Wednesday.