The crime situation in Montego Bay, St James, is already threatening to take away the 'merry' from this Christmas season with a pastor among three persons killed in a matter of hours yesterday.

Well-known Montego Bay pastor, 81 year-old Wilbert Peynado, died on the spot following a single gunshot wound to the head in the business district of Barnett Street.

The People's National Party caretaker for North West St James, Henry McCurdy, was among many who expressed sorrow for the killing of the well-known clergyman.

"He was the one who married me and my wife. He is all about his church. Each time I see him he would ask, what are you going to give to the church? it's a sad day for Montego Bay, very sad", McCurdy, who is also a businessman, told The STAR.

a sad day

Pastor for the Faith Temple Church of God in Montego Bay, Reverend Conrad Pitkin, condemned the killing of the pastor who has served the community and his ministry for decades.

'It is a sad day for the entire church community, not only for Montego Bay; and I extend my condolences to his family at this time of grief. None of us is isolated from these acts of violence," the pastor said.

While the police processed the crime scene, they received reports that a female were gunned down in the Granville community. Up to news time, the police were unable to provide the identity and details surrounding the female's death. In addition, the body of 40-year-old Errol Haye was discovered within the vicinity of the Charles Gordon Market approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday.