Investigators have uncovered suspected burned human remains and weapons during a police operation linked to the death of wanted man Jamal Bourne, also known as “Skinny.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, police said ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department, supported by canine units, carried out searches between 10:30 hrs and 15:00 hrs at Three Miles, Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, following leads connected to a viral video that showed Bourne shooting himself during a Facebook Live broadcast.
During the operation, investigators examined a scorched area where they discovered ashes and bone fragments believed to be human remains. The items were secured and are to be submitted for forensic examination by a government pathologist.
Police also searched a nearby wooden structure where they found a suspected pistol with an empty magazine, three shotgun cartridges, a suspected spent 9mm shell, several knives, clothing, and other items. In nearby vegetation, ranks recovered three toy rifles.
All exhibits have been lodged as part of the ongoing investigation. The latest findings come one day after police arrested six individuals during an earlier operation in the same area. Those in custody include three men and three women, aged 18 to 26, from locations including Yarrowkabra, Bell West Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Kaneville, Grove and Georgetown.
According to police, the suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators. On Tuesday, one of the detainees reportedly told investigators that after Bourne shot himself during the Facebook Live broadcast on Sunday, January 18, his body was transported to another location along with his personal belongings and set on fire.
The suspect further claimed that the following day, the group realised the body had not been fully burned and subsequently disposed of the remains in a nearby creek.
Earlier police operations between 19:00 hrs and 23:30 hrs on Tuesday uncovered a concealed wooden structure in dense vegetation at Three Miles, Wisroc. Inside, ranks found a black-and-silver Taurus pistol with its serial number filed off, hidden beneath a mattress, along with six live .32 rounds of ammunition.
Police had previously said Bourne was seen in the viral video in the company of several individuals while allegedly displaying a cache of firearms. The video has since been removed from social media.
