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No breakthrough in Joel Chin murder three years later
Chin... shot dead August 16, 2011
Chin... shot dead August 16, 2011
Jovan Johnson, Gleaner Writer

KINGSTON, Jamaica:
Three years after the shocking murder of music producer, Joel Chin, police investigators are yet to make a breakthrough and his mother, Juliet, says everyday she relives the horror of the August 16, 2011.


Joel was the grandson of Pat and Vincent Chin, the founders of international Reggae label, VP Records.

At the time of his killing, the 35-year-old producer was the VP's Artiste and Repertoire department.

Chin was shot and killed as he drove into the driveway of his Stony Hill apartment in St Andrew.

His mother tells The Gleaner that the healing process remains difficult for the family.

"Things are very, very hard for me. I relive that nightmare every day. It is affecting me and the family, especially knowing that his murder is not solved." said Juliet Chin.

"There’s a void inside of you, you miss hearing that voice, that smile, everything about that child that you brought into this world. It’s just prayers and kind words that keep me going."

As for the police investigation, Chin says she has been told that the efforts of the police are being affected by resource problems.

"I have not got a police update in almost a year. We did get a call once this year during the Vybz Kartel trial and they asked a few questions but no contact since then," she said.

Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps heads the Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) which is leading the probe into Chin's murder.

He says the investigations remains very active.

"This is one of the most thorough investigations that we have ever done at the MIT. We have even had meetings with the family’s private investigators. We are doing a lot, we have a compact and comprehensive case file," said the SSP.

According to the policeman, if 23-year-old Demar Ramone Smith, a person of interest in the case, is apprehended, the murder of the VP Records producer would be solved.

"It’s just for us now to apprehend this person. We are very hopeful that Demar is the person who can help us to bring this matter to a closure. We are appealing to Demar to turn himself over."

In the meantime, Joel’s mother says she can hardly go on, knowing that her son’s killer or killers are out.

"Help us find his killers," Juliet begged.

Joel is also survived by his father, Clive, a three-year-old daughter, two brothers and three sisters.

CALL THE POLICE at 119 or Crime Stop at 311 if you have any information on the killing

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Published: 2014-08-20 11:46:50
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