WESTERN BUREAU — Two men were shot dead in separate incidents in Montego Bay on Friday night, pushing to 13 the number of persons murdered in St James since the start of the year.

Police said the first murder occurred at approximately 9:00 pm when Nerval Anderson, a 29 year-old security guard, was shot a few metres from his house in Albion Lane shortly after he had left for work at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort.

Anderson’s body had gunshot wounds to the left side, lower back and right shoulder. Police said they found six 9mm spent shells and one live round at the scene.

The Montego Bay police say they have ruled out robbery as the motive for the killing because Anderson’s wallet and other personal belongings were found on his body.

In the second incident, which occurred at about 10:20 pm, 48 year-old Daniel Beckford was shot by a lone gunman at his home in Flankers.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network liaison officer for St James, Lancelot Tyrell, Beckford and a woman friend were removing items from his motor car when they was pounced upon by the gunman who shot him in the left armpit.

He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital only to be pronounced dead there. The woman was not harmed.

Tyrell said the police are yet to establish a motive for the killing.

Last year, 73 persons were murdered in St James.