Jamaica Records 24 Per Cent Drop in Murders as 407 Homicides Reported

Jamaica recorded 407 murders by October 6, a 24% drop from 534 in the same period last year, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang told Parliament. He said July-September was the lowest quarterly murder total in more than 30 years, with September at 36 killings, underscoring a sustained decline in violent crime.

Trelawny police say the parish’s seven murders this year are “seven too many,” even though that is down from nine in the same period last year. Superintendent Velonique Campbell said disputes over land and domestic issues are driving much of the violence, and urged residents and community leaders to report conflicts early before they turn deadly.

Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake says a small but loud minority is trying to undermine Jamaica’s recent crime-fighting gains as murders fall to their lowest quarterly level in more than 30 years. He warned police not to be distracted, saying the country must stay focused on keeping violence down after the third quarter of 2026 ended with 122 murders.

Jamaica recorded 122 murders between July and September, the lowest third-quarter total in 30 years, while September ended with just 35 killings. Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang said the figures show progress in cutting serious crime as the country continues to see a historic drop in murders, following 673 killings in 2025.