68-year-old bearer shot dead in broad daylight attempted robbery in Half-Way Tree

A cash bearer working with a well known financial institution was fatally shot during an attempted robbery along Half-Way Tree Road on Friday afternoon.

The victim has been identified as 68-year-old Lawrence Kessna of Phase 2, Seaview Gardens. Reports indicate that Kessna was killed after getting into a struggle with a man attempting to rob him.

Reacting to the incident, Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, who heads Area Four, strongly condemned the attack on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He described the killing as a bold and unacceptable act of violence.

Phipps warned that law enforcement will not allow criminals to target busy commercial zones, adding that increased police presence and sustained operations will be carried out to disrupt and deter such crimes. He noted that financial institutions will be a key focus as investigators continue their probe, which includes forensic analysis and collaboration with business operators.

He also urged companies to strengthen security when moving large sums of money and reminded the public that the police offer free assistance for escorting high value transactions.

Preliminary reports suggest that around 1:22 p.m., Kessna had gone to a bank to cash a cheque valued at $10 million on behalf of his employer. The money was reportedly meant for distribution to customers at various locations.

Shortly after leaving the bank, he was confronted by a man who attempted to steal a grey knapsack containing the cash. A struggle followed, and when the attacker failed to get the bag, he opened fire, hitting Kessna in the upper body.

The gunman then fled the scene on a waiting motorcycle.

Kessna was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The bag containing the cash was recovered and handed over to the police.