WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — A third man has been charged with the murder of 29-year-old Jarren Murphy, otherwise called ‘Snake Man’ of Sea Star Lane, Negril in Westmoreland.

Murphy was shot and killed in his community on Monday, March 14.

As investigations continue, 19-year-old James Crooks, otherwise called ‘Nine-Nine,’ a painter of Villa La Cage in West End, Negril has become the third person to be charged with Murphy’s murder. Previously charged were Kimarley Williams and Eaton Slater.

It is alleged that Crooks, Williams and Slater shot Murphy dead at a premises in the community and then escaped in the area.

Following investigations and evidence which police claim have implicated the three men, Williams and Slater were picked up in operations in Love Lane in the parish on Wednesday, April 13. They were jointly charged with the offences of murder and illegal possession of firearm.

Crooks, however, continued to elude lawmen until Wednesday, May 4, when he was apprehended by the police at a hospital where he was being treated for a gunshot injury.

On Friday, May 20, Crooks was pointed out as one of the men involved in Murphy’s killing during a video identification parade, the police said.

He was subsequently charged with murder and illegal possession of firearm.

His court date is being finalised.