Police informer shot dead

A police informer was shot dead on Tuesday night in a hail of gunfire while liming at a standpipe in Diego Martin. Handyman Bernard Vance, 41, was shot 11 times at around 10 pm on Quarry Road in Diego Martin by a man he knew. The gunman then pointed the gun at witnesses and threatened to shoot anyone who talked. Investigations revealed that sometime earlier, the known police informer was seen speaking to members of the Special Anti-Crime Unit, who were conducting exercises in the area that later led to the arrest of two men for drugs and ammunition. A person associated with one of the men was identified as the man who killed Vance.

When Newsday visited Vance’s Diego Martin home at the corner of Kelly and Mercer Streets, no one was at home. Neighbours however described Vance as a “cool” man, a “jack of all trades” who was always willing to help anyone. One resident said she heard a volley of rapid shots and on investigation, Vance was found lying dead on the ground about 20 yards from his home. Police visited the scene and contacted the DMO, who ordered the body removed to the Forensic Science Centre. Police believe Vance was killed because of his contact with members of the Special Anti-Crime Unit before persons were arrested. Insp Scott of the Western Police Station is investigating.