Alleged gangster ‘Neeko’ killed during clash with police
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – One of St Andrew North police most wanted men Keith “Neeko” Newman was fatally shot in a reported confrontation with the police in Spanish Town, St Catherine this morning.
Details of the incident have not been released by the police but the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is investigating.
Neeko was identified by the police as a major violence producer in Spanish Town and sections of the Corporate Area.
He was wanted for the murder of 37-year-old Adrian ‘Shoppy’ Hines, who was fatally shot at his gate on Airy Castle Road in Stony Hill, St Andrew, last October.
Hines was one of two people shot two weeks earlier while he sat recording a match at a night football competition that was in progress in Stony Hill square.
Days after he was released from hospital he was standing at his gate when a gunman, believed to be Neeko, approached his and shot him several times.
Neeko was also wanted for a shooting that took place last week at Red Gal Ring where one man was shot and injured and he was a person of interest in the murder of the two school boys last year along Airy Castle Road.
The school boys, 16-year-old Nicquan Whitely, and 14-year-old Jumaane Henry, were found with multiple gunshot wounds on December 12, 2024. They were taken to hospital where they died while being treated.
According to police sources Neeko was a rival to another gangster Orville “Marvin” Dennie who was also fatally shot by the police last week.
Commanding Officer of the St Andrew North Police Division Deputy Superintendent of Police Randy Sweeney told the Jamaica Observer that: “The Jamaica Constabulary Force remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly in the Stony Hill area and surrounding communities.
“The apprehension of major violence producers is critical in our efforts to disrupt criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice. We continue to work across policing divisions to bring perpetrators before the courts. So although investigations take time, we are relentless in our work”.
He is urging residents in the division, “to stand with us in this fight against crime by sharing any information that may assist in ongoing investigations. Anyone with knowledge of criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Constant Spring Criminal Investigations Branch at 876-924-1421 or Crime Stop at 311. Your cooperation is vital in making our communities safer for everyone”.