The police have detained a suspect in Sunday's murder of St Andrew businessman Joseph Hanna.

The suspect was picked up on Wednesday in the Retirement Road area, a short distance from the scene of the murder.

It is believed that robbery was the motive for the killing.

Initially, it was speculated that the businessman was the victim of a contract killing.

The 81-year-old operator of B.J. Hanna and Sons Limited was shot outside his business place on Retirement Crescent in Kingston.

It was reported that about 5:30 p.m., Hanna drove out of his business and was accosted by two men on a motorbike, who ordered him to go back inside.

Hanna refused and drove off. The men then opened fire on the vehicle hitting him several times.

It is further reported that the injured businessman managed to drive several metres before crashing into the compound of a nearby woodwork shop.

He died on the spot.

Hanna's killers made off with two bags containing various documents.