Businessman 'Tuta' and suspected thief 'Cow Man' found dead in St Elizabeth

A St Elizabeth businessman and a man believed to be a robber were found shot dead behind a business establishment in Santa Cruz on Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the community.

Dead are 65-year-old licensed firearm holder and businessman Melvin Blythe, otherwise called ‘Tuta’, of Beadles Drive, Santa Cruz, and Romel Johnson, otherwise called ‘Cow Man’.

Police say Blythe was last seen alive at his business place on Saturday. Concern grew after relatives were unable to contact him, prompting checks at the establishment on Sunday evening.

The gruesome discovery was later made when both men were found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds at the back of the property. They were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Investigators have since launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.

Police sources say Johnson was known to lawmen, and investigators are now trying to determine whether he was attempting to rob the businessman before the fatal confrontation unfolded.

Blythe’s licensed firearm was recovered at the scene and has been taken for forensic examination.

The St Elizabeth Criminal Investigations Branch is continuing investigations.