Licensed firearm holder charged with murder of girlfriend in St Elizabeth

A 38-year-old licensed firearm holder has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of his 20-year-old girlfriend in Hill Top, Parottee, St Elizabeth.

The accused, Joseph Finnikin, otherwise known as “Bug”, “Tyson” or “Contractor”, a building contractor from Lindos Hill district in Petersfield, Westmoreland, was formally charged by police on Tuesday. He also faces an additional charge of using a firearm to commit a felony.

The charges stem from the shooting death of Anishka Thompson on Friday morning.

According to investigators, Finnikin initially told detectives that the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when Thompson allegedly picked up his licensed firearm while they were at a house in Hill Top. He claimed that as he attempted to retrieve the weapon from her, it discharged, fatally wounding the young woman.

Following the incident, police launched a death investigation while forensic and witness inquiries were carried out. After reviewing the evidence, investigators upgraded the matter to a murder case, resulting in Finnikin’s arrest and subsequent charges.

Police say investigations into the incident remain ongoing.