ORANGE, St. James — A wave of unrest swept through the quiet community of Hellgate in Orange, St. James, on Thursday as residents staged a fiery protest, condemning the police’s actions during an operation that left three men dead earlier this week. The incident, which has ignited widespread controversy, occurred on Tuesday and has left the community demanding answers.
The men, identified as Alex Medley, Rojay Duncan, and another known only as Max, were fatally shot during what police described as a confrontation while executing a search warrant. According to law enforcement, the operation was linked to ongoing investigations into violent clashes in the neighboring community of Rose Heights, which have seen a spike in murders, including the recent high-profile killing of social media influencer Marlon Samuels, also known as “41 Busshead.”
In their report, police stated that officers came under fire upon entering the community, prompting them to return fire. Three firearms were reportedly recovered at the scene. However, residents dispute this narrative, insisting the men were unarmed and had willingly surrendered to the police before being fatally shot in the early hours of the morning.
By Boxing Day, frustration and grief had boiled over, prompting residents to block multiple sections of the Orange main road with debris, tree branches, and burning tires. The protest caused significant disruption to vehicular traffic as locals voiced their outrage, calling for transparency and an independent investigation into the deadly encounter.
“They were not criminals,” shouted one resident, who declined to give her name. “They gave themselves up, and the police executed them. This is not justice!”
Another resident, visibly emotional, added, “We are tired of living in fear of those who are supposed to protect us. This community deserves better.”
The incident has reignited debates around the conduct of law enforcement in volatile communities, with several advocacy groups calling for oversight and accountability in police operations. Human rights organizations have already signaled their intention to investigate the matter, urging authorities to prioritize fairness and transparency to restore trust between the community and the police.
As tensions continue to simmer in Hellgate and its environs, the wider St. James parish remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent encounter that has left more questions than answers. Residents have vowed to continue their protest until their voices are heard, demanding justice for the lives lost and a thorough review of the events that unfolded on that fateful Tuesday morning.
