Cops hot on the trail in stabbing death of radiologist

Jamaican police investigate the murder of the second medical professional in just over a month.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Wednesday July 18, 2012 — Police are reportedly pursuing "strong leads" in their investigation of the stabbing death of elderly Mandeville, Manchester radiologist Dr Phillip Chamberlain whose blood-soaked body was found on Saturday night.

The body of the murdered 75-year-old was discovered in his Cobblestone Professional Centre offices, but police say no motive has been firmly established. Reports nevertheless indicate that the office was ransacked and a strong box was missing.

Superintendent Lascelles Taylor, head of the Manchester Police, declined to give details, but confirmed that solid progress was being made.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Cochrane gave the assurance that investigators were "working very hard to solve this heinous crime".

"Nothing is off the table in terms of the investigation," said Cochrane who offered condolences to Chamberlain's family and friends.

The radiologist’s murder follows the shooting death of another medical practitioner, Dr Clinton Lewis, in late May. Last month, retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Exel Dias was stabbed to death in northern Manchester.

Chamberlain, a Jamaican who studied and worked in the United States for decades, was said to be the first to set up a private radiological office in Mandeville and wider central Jamaica.

Friends and associates of Chamberlain, as well as leaders of the community, have expressed shock and horror at his killing.

David Lindo, a radiographer who was associated with Chamberlain for over ten years, described him as “the last person you would expect something like this to happen to".

"He was a wonderful man, a very kind man and he treated his staff well," said Lindo. "This has taken all of us completely by surprise."

President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Wendy Freckleton condemned what she described as "the brutal murder of one who has committed his life to taking care of those in need of health care". She urged those with information to come forward and assist the police.

She also gave assurances that the Chamber would continue to do its part “in partnership with the police" in improving safety in Manchester. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)