Suspects bailed in Manderson murder enquiry

(CNS): Two men who were arrested in a West Bay operation last week on suspicion of killing Justin Manderson have been released on bail, the RCIPS has confirmed. Ten days after the 24-year-old West Bay man was gunned down on the pavement close to Seven Mile Shops in the early hours of 1 October, the police are still asking for the public’s help. Manderson, who police believe was a local gang member, was accused of killing Victor Yates at Super ‘C’s restaurant in January of 2015.

Although many people were present when Yates was shot by the popular local spot and witnessed the killing, those who come forward and named Manderson recanted ahead of the court case last summer, and with no witnesses to support the case, the crown withdrew the charges and Manderson was freed. Police are investigating the possibility that his own murder was a revenge killing.

Jordan Manderson, Justin Manderson’s brother, is currently serving a ten-year jail term for possession of an illegal gun. Over the last 18 months two of their relatives were also shot and killed in gang-related violence.

Justin Manderson was shot previously shortly after the Yates’ murder in what was believed to be a drive-by shooting at a local liquor store in West Bay, but on that occasion Manderson escaped with just a wounded hand.

Speaking to The Cayman Compass last week, Manderson’s father, Jake Manderson, appealed for peace, asking his son’s friends not to seek revenge. Devastated by his killing, Jake Manderson appealed for anyone who knows anything to come forward and tell the police, saying, “I don’t want anyone to retaliate for what was done to Justin. I don’t want them to try to take revenge and leave another family grieving.”