Phillip Jason Swift, 19, also known as “PJ”, was gunned down yesterday, Wednesday, just after 5 p.m. in Lindo’s Alley. His attack came during the rush hour traffic at the end of the day, which speaks to the brazenness of the crime.
Lindo’s Alley runs off to the right from Vernon Street’s junction with Mosul Street.
Residents in the area told Amandala that Swift was walking his dog, Spice, in Lindo’s Alley when he was gunned down. No one knows how the assailants arrived in the area, but four shots rang out, and when it was over, Swift was found on the ground dead, with multiple gunshot wounds.
He still had the chain in his hand that he had used for the dog’s leash, and as his body lay on the ground, it became evident that he had been shot at least once in the head. His family members were unable to cope with the grief of seeing their loved one slain in such a fashion, and bystanders could see how much pain they were in.
We understand that immediately after the shooting, a vehicle, which may be connected with the shooting, was seen reversing out of Lindo’s Alley. Unfortunately, no witnesses have come forward to police to provide a description of the vehicle.
Wecaught up with the family yesterday who, in their grief, denied comment.
Today, though, we were able to learn from the family that Swift had made it a habit to walk his dog as often as he could.
They told us that it is very hard to deal with his loss and the violence of the attack. We were told that his girlfriend had recently become pregnant.
They said that Phillip was a kind young man who did not deserve to die the way he did, and that he spent most of his time at home, in Crooked Tree, or with his girlfriend. He loved his dog and would spend a lot of time with it, and he even played pranks on it, his family told us.
The police investigation into Swift’s murder is in its early stage, and no suspects have been announced up to press time.