RJRGLEANER journalist Job Nelson killed in gun attack

The Kingston Western Police are trying to establish a motive for the fatal shooting of well known journalist, Job Nelson.

The 53-year-old media practitioner was shot dead along Spanish Town Road on Tuesday night.

Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps, head of the Kingston Western Police, told Radio Jamaica News that about 11 p.m., Mr. Nelson stopped at a traffic light along Spanish Town Road when a car drove up beside his vehicle and the occupants fired on him.

Mr. Nelson, who sustained bullet wounds, attempted to drive himself to hospital but his vehicle crashed along Collie Smith Drive.

He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr. Nelson was employed to The Gleaner. 

RJRGLEANER Group saddened

Editorial colleagues, staff, managers and directors at the RJRGLEANER Group on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow at Mr. Nelson’s passing.

Editor-in-Chief Moya Thomas said his death is difficult to come to terms with, noting that many colleagues saw and spoke with him only hours before his life was taken.

Ms. Thomas added that, “The Star, The Gleaner and the company’s online spaces will also most definitely feel it, because Job was a dedicated, diligent and reliable lieutenant on the Sports desk”.

Mr. Nelson, who rejoined the staff of The Gleaner for a second time in August 2022, had previously worked with the newspaper between 1996 and 1998 as a Sub Editor/Reporter.

Group CEO Anthony Smith expressed condolences to Mr. Nelson’s family and close friends.  

PAJ outraged

The Press Association of Jamaica has expressed shock and outrage at the murder of Mr. Nelson.

The PAJ says his untimely death is a profound loss to the journalism community.

It is urging the authorities to expedite their investigation and to spare no effort in bringing Mr. Nelson’s killers to justice.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon also bemoaned the killing of Mr. Nelson, noting that it is always sad when a member of the media is harmed. 

Dr. Morris Dixon, who was speaking during Wednesday morning’s post cabinet press briefing, expressed condolences to his family and colleagues, adding that these acts of criminality must be strongly condemned. 

As an esteemed member of the media fraternity for 35 years, Mr. Nelson made invaluable contributions to various publications throughout his career, including The Jamaica Record, The Herald, X News, Loop, and The Gleaner.

With his versatile skills as a reporter, sub-editor and page planner, Mr. Nelson played an integral role in shaping numerous publications and projects over the years.