Joseph 'Joe Benbow' Barrett, 32, the reputed leader of the notorious Jones Town-based Joe Benbow gang, was fatally shot as he was making his way to court yesterday, THE STAR was told.

A police source disclosed to THE STAR that Barrett had reported to the Port Royal Police Station that morning as a condition of bail for a gun seizure and shooting matter he was implicated in.

The source further said that Barrett left the station and was making his way to court when he challenged the lawmen along the Port Royal main road. The officer could not say which offence Barrett was going to court for yesterday, but noted that the deceased had more court appearances on July 29 and September 1.

blazing gun battle

According to police reports, Barrett and another man, Tafari Murphy, otherwise called 'Titto', of Harry Street, Port Royal, were involved in a blazing gun battle with lawmen near the lighthouse along the Palisadoes main road.

The reports state that about 9:15 a.m., a police team on special duty along Port Royal main road signalled the driver of a Toyota Altis motor car, registered 5598 FK, to stop.

The driver reportedly obeyed and two men alighted with guns and opened fire at the lawmen, who returned the fire. Barrett and Murphy were found suffering from gunshot wounds after the shooting ended.

semi-automatic pistol

A Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, serial number PBB4073, was taken from Barrett's hand, while a Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, serial number L058304 with three rounds of ammunition, was taken from Murphy.

Barrett was out on bail after being accused of illegally importing a shipment of guns into the island. The police intercepted a package containing four 9mm pistols and 26 rounds of ammunition at the airport in Kingston. Barrett and two others were subsequently charged after the October 17 seizure.

murders and shootings

Police sources have linked the Joe Benbow gang to several murders and shootings.

Among those was a deadly attack along Elgin Road, St Andrew, in which three people were slain last August. Reports are that the gunmen in that attack sent an apology to the grieving family days after the killings, saying they killed the wrong persons.