Sean Patterson murder: Jamaica Police believe death was ‘contract killing’

The murder of a British tourist in Jamaica is believed to have been a “contract killing” by an “unknown assailant”, local police have said.

Sean Patterson, 33, a personal trainer from west London, was gunned down by the pool of the guest house where he was staying in Bogue Hill, St James on Monday January 2.

Jamaica Constabulary’s deputy commissioner called it "a contract killing that emanated from Britain".

In a video statement on Wednesday, Fitz Bailey said Patterson had arrived in Jamaica on December 29 with another man who was also from London.

The pair had spent several days at an apartment before checking into the villa in Bogue Hill on New Year’s Day.

Later that day the pair met up with another man, Shane Richards, who resided in Kingston.

All three men returned home to the villa that night and slept in separate bedrooms.

At around noon the following day Patterson and Richards went to the villa’s pool deck.

"Richards reported that his back was turned to  Patterson when he heard several loud explosions which sounded like gunshots," Mr Bailey said.

"He reported that he looked around and saw a lone man dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt with a handgun shooting Patterson."

The witness reportedly fled and hid in bushes.

“The police were summoned and on arrival Patterson was seen clad in grey shorts on his back in a pool of blood with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the upper body and head,” Mr Bailey continued.

“From credible information received Sean Patterson is well known to the UK authorities and has an extensive criminal record for a number of offences which include narcotics, violence and firearms.

“Our investigation so far has theorised that the murder was a contract killing that emanated from Britain.

“There is no evidence that Patterson was robbed or has any connection in Jamaica.”

The deputy commissioner concluded by saying local authorities were working with their international partners - including UK police - and were making "significant progress" in the case.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office previously said it is "supporting the family of a British man who died in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities".

Local media said a 34-year-old man has been taken into custody.

The Gleaner newspaper reported that 198 murders were recorded in St James last year.