Old Harbour police apprehend Bois Content murder suspect

The commendation came as the police released their summary of major crimes for the Old Harbour area continue to see significant decline. For the year-to-date (YTD) in 2026, murders have dropped to just four, compared to 12 recorded in all of 2025 — a notable 67% decrease. Similarly, shootings have seen a dramatic reduction of 90%, with only one incident reported YTD in 2026, down from nine in 2025.

In a further demonstration of effective policing, all four murders recorded in 2026 have been successfully cleared up, reflecting strong investigative outcomes and community cooperation.

These figures underscore the subdivision’s commitment to reducing violence and bringing offenders to justice

According to the police report, following the commission of the offence on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m. at Bois Content, Old Harbour, the investigative team acted with urgency, focus, and determination. “Through effective coordination between the investigators and the operational team, the suspect was quickly identified, pursued, and apprehended, and he has since been charged,” the statement read.

Detective Inspector Morris noted that the achievement demonstrates the value of teamwork, strong leadership, effective communication, and the importance of combining investigative efforts with operational support.

The incident resulting in the charge occurred about 10:06 p.m. on July 1. Police reports state that 36-year-old farmer Peter Fable, of Free Marlie, Bois Content, armed with a pitchfork, approached 33-year-old truck driver Mario Newell, otherwise called ‘Romie’, of Joe Ground, Bois Content. Fable allegedly told Newell to wait, saying he had something for him, before using the fork to stab the deceased multiple times to the upper section of his body and face. The accused then fled the area on foot.

Residents rushed Newell to the May Pen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:03 a.m. on July 2 while undergoing treatment.

Officers from the St. Catherine Scene of Crime Unit processed the scene and the body, retrieving one black cap, one croc slippers, a butter knife, a pitchfork, and a blood sample as potential evidence. The body was later transported to a funeral home for storage pending a post-mortem examination.

Police say the accused was apprehended during a targeted operation and was later charged following a caution statement and a question-and-answer interview conducted in the presence of his attorney.

Old Harbour News has since learned that the source of the fatal attack stemmed from a longstanding feud between both men which started roughly two years ago. 

The death of Newell has left the community of Bois Content in shock, many describing it as callous, foolish and ego-driven.