Alleged killer nabbed after 14 years on the run
Published:Wednesday | December 24, 2025 | 12:13 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Fourteen years after he was accused of a double murder and the wounding of another woman in Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth, 41-year-old Andre Daniels has been taken into custody.
Daniels’ arrest last week comes amid what police describe as one of the strongest crime-fighting years in recent times for the St Elizabeth Division, particularly in relation to murder reduction. So far this year, the parish has recorded 16 murders – half the 32 recorded during the corresponding period last year.
“I want to commend the members of the St Elizabeth Criminal Investigation Branch for their diligent work on this investigation that has now led to charges being laid,” said Superintendent Coleridge Minto, the divisional commander for St Elizabeth. “I want to commend the Manchester Division for their coordinated operational efforts in apprehending this individual.”
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8 p.m. on June 9, 2011, along Jarrett Lane in Middle Quarters. Daniels is accused of fatally shooting 24-year-old Andrew Gray and 19-year-old Dave Davis, and shooting and wounding a woman whose identity has not been disclosed.
Following the incident, Daniels reportedly fled St Elizabeth and remained at large for more than a decade. Police say a coordinated operation between the St Elizabeth and Manchester divisions led to his being tracked to an address in Manchester, where he was arrested and subsequently taken back to St Elizabeth and charged.
WARNING
Minto said the belated arrest and charging of Daniels should serve as a warning to those who believe they can evade justice.
Daniels is now facing two counts of murder, wounding with intent, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, and assault at common law.
“Persons who engage in criminal activities must understand that there is no statute of limitations on crime. No matter how much time has passed, offenders will be held accountable for their actions,” said Minto.
Turning to the parish’s overall crime-fighting performance, Minto praised the dedication of police personnel, noting that many officers continued to work despite being personally affected by recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa less than two months ago.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the members of the St Elizabeth Division, and, just so you know, 108 of our members were directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, many of them lost their entire house, and some lost their roofs, but they continue to work despite the challenges,” said Minto.
Based on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s latest serious crimes reports, St Elizabeth has seen a decline in shooting, dropping from 22 to 17, rape down from 24 to 11, and robberies down from 53 to 27. Break-ins are the only negative, climbing from 85 to 100.
Despite the absence of electricity in the parish because of destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Minto is determined to create a safety net around businesses to parish, to allow operators to function safely.
“As law enforcement officers, we will do all we can to support all the activities, especially in these areas, to ensure that our businesses can continue to operate,” he said, noting that some businesses which were closed are now reopening.