The residents of the rural community of Epworth in St Ann are still saddened by the gruesome killing of 82-year-old justice of the peace (JP) and businessman, Colin Corrodus last Monday, January 2.
Corrodus was shot and killed by four gunmen, who entered his home as he played the game he loved, dominoes, with a group of friends.
They robbed the JP of his licensed firearm and took a sum of $3,000 from another man.
When The Times visited the community of Epworth on Friday, January 6, residents were still clearly shaken by the events that happened in their community that will change their lives forever. It is painful for many as Mr Corrodus had moved to the rural community from Great Pond in Ocho Rios, and had made several contributions to the community. It is believed he had moved from Great Pond, where he had business, following a robbery.
One community member, who wished not be identified, explained that Mr Corrodus was a kind man, who loved the area.
“There is no MP (member of parliament) that can represent us like Mr Corrodus… We lose a father, a brother, a friend, a everything. Everybody just shock, people nuh eat and the community afraid,” the man continued to explained.
DOMINO PARTNER
Lashburn Johnson, who identified himself as Mr Corrodus’ neighbour and friend is also saddened at the death of a man he said had plans for the greater development of Epworth.
“For me it is a great loss. I have lost a great friend. It sad you know, because a few years ago when he (Mr Corrodus) actually came here, he fixed the road right through, because definitely he had great plans for this area,” Johnson said.
As Johnson sat under the very gazebo, where Mr Corrodus met his untimely death to the bullet of criminals, Johnson explained that the JP had built the gazebo on his house for all his friends to play dominoes.
“A mi domino partner many times. He built this spot (the gazebo) where his friends can play domino. I would stop by and play at evening times. We would share a meal and we run some jokes. He is definitely a community person and a real jovial person,” Johnson explained.
HISTORY IN EPWORTH
“These things have never happen here (in Epworth) before and we never expect something like this fi happen. People say we in a the bush then, because here so a the hills we in… It crush everyone being is a community man and him converse with everyone. Him share love, so it just a great loss,” Johnson argued.
Corrodus was a well-known businessman, who operated Colvil Construction and Hardware located in Great Pond in Ocho Rios. He also had the business in Epworth, but it closed.
However, a female resident of the community, who gave her name as ‘Sandra’ explained that Mr Corrodus still supplied the community with kerosene oil, liquid floor polish, fittings and other items.
“He (Mr Corrodus) was very strong, witty, and he always wished the best for everyone and wanted to see them prosper,” Sandra explained.
PLANS OF THE JP
A cousin of Mr Corrodus, who also declined to give his name, explained that Mr Corrodus was a good man and he had plans of speaking to the member of parliament and councillor to fix the road in the area.
It is clear that the murder of the JP has resulted in great fear among the residents in the area as they try to come to the reality that crime has crept into the peaceful community of Epworth.
For those residents like Lashburn Johnson, he said that persons have to start sharing love.
“We have to start sharing love with one another, because this crime ting get out of hand. Look which part it reach,” he said.
Captions
Pic 1: Lashburn Johnson is a picture of grief as he reflects on his friend, Colin Corrodus
