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Dancehall Queen Carlene has expressed outrage at the murder of International Dancehall Queen (DHQ) 2022, Britania 'DHQ Chicken' Francis, early Thursday morning.

"Britania has a six-year-old daughter who she is mother and father to, and this is so sad. Just to know a young person was killed, that just shook me up. I am not certain of the full story but I want to know when are we going to stop doing this, killing people for no reason. If I do you something and you don't find me, what sense does it make to kill somebody for me? It is just senseless," she said.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network, Francis who resided in Nain district, St Elizabeth, died from gunshot wounds she sustained in Manchester. Reports from the Mandeville police are that about 1:30 a.m., Francis and another woman left a business establishment in Richmond, and were walking towards a parked vehicle when they were approached by a lone gunman who opened fire in their direction. When the shooting subsided, it was discovered that Francis had been shot. The police were alerted, and on their arrival Francis was taken to the hospital where she succumbed to the injuries.

Francis was a popular figure in the dancing world, and after winning the international competition in 2022, she was recently a contestant in the Queen of the MECCA Dancehall Queen Competition.

"Britania was not just a remarkable talent, she was a pioneer reclaiming the crown after the Dancehall Queen [competition] hiatus from 2015-2022. Her triumph marked a new era filled with passion, resilience and a spirit that inspired dancers worldwide. Our vibrant queen was taken from us far too soon leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten," Carlene said.

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang said that between January 1 and May 5, there were 237 murders, 148 fewer when compared with the corresponding period in 2024. He said Jamaica was on course to record less than 1,000 murders this year, with the lowest monthly murder count in 25 years being recorded in February, which had 48 murders.