Papine market manager killing suspect kept under police guard in hospital

The man police identify as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Papine market manager Colleen “Sonnia” Bernard remains hospitalised under police guard while investigators question him.

Bernard, who was employed to the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, was shot dead about 3:50 p.m. while she was reportedly collecting market fees from shop operators.

Police say an officer who was nearby confronted the attacker and gave chase. The two men reportedly traded gunfire, and the suspect was struck during the exchange.

Bernard and the wounded man were both taken to hospital. The market manager was pronounced dead, while the suspect continues to receive medical treatment.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Police Area 4, said investigators are probing the accused man as they seek to establish a possible reason for the killing. He also said forensic material will form part of the police investigation.