Two Young Men Gunned Down in Pomona Village Double Murder

Two young men in Pomona Village never got the chance to usher in 2026, after they were gunned down late Wednesday night in a deadly double murder that has shocked the quiet Stann Creek community of Pomona.  The victims have been identified as 23-year-old Zion Samuels and 22-year-old Luke, also known as Uriluke, Chavarria.  Reports indicate that just after 11:00 p.m., the two men were socializing outside Samuels’ residence when a lone gunman entered the yard and opened fire on both of them before fleeing the area. The suspect is described as a dark-complexioned male, approximately five-foot-six, slim in build, and dressed in dark clothing with a hoodie.  Both Samuels and Chavarria were rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Their bodies were later transported to the hospital morgue.  Love News attempted to speak with relatives of the victims; however, family members declined comment.  Our archives show that this is not the first violent incident to occur in the same area. Records show that on March 30 last year, 20-year-old Santiago Garcia was fatally stabbed nearby after reportedly accompanying a relative to purchase marijuana, raising renewed concerns about criminal activity along that stretch of the village.  While investigations into Wednesday night’s double murder remain ongoing, police say they are pursuing several leads. At this time, the motive is believed to be drug-related.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “The investigation commenced on Wednesday 31st December at approximately 11:15pm when officers were advised that shooting occurred at a residence in Pomona Village and that two injured persons were rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. The scene was established and it was processed and the investigators proceeded to the hospital where they learned that those male persons succumbed to the injuries that they sustained sometime around 11:30pm. What the investigation has disclosed so far is that Chevarria and Samuels were a part of a group of six persons that were socializing in the yard of that property when a lone gunman entered and fired several shots which resulted in the untimely demise of these male persons. No motive has been established however we do know that the property where the incident occurred is one that police have launched several operations in relation to drugs.”

Police have also indicated that the area had been under monitoring prior to the incident, as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity.  Authorities are urging anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stoppers.