Andre' Williams, STAR Writer

A tense calm now exists in the St Andrew north community of Lacey following the brutal murder of a well-known political activist, who was shot dead by gunmen inside her business place on Saturday night.

The deceased, 47-year-old businesswoman Eltha Smith of a Lacey district address, has been a Jamaica Labour Party flag bearer for over 30 years and her death draws into scope a lot of unanswered questions and bitter feelings among residents.

THE STAR was told that about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Smith was at her business place in the company of family members when a gunman entered.

Reports are that the unknown assailant brandished a gun and opened fire hitting Smith several times, including once in the head.

place tense

A male resident told THE STAR, "This come in like a contract thing ... Seven shot dem give her ... Right now the whole place tense and war out fi bruck because nobody nuh really know wah gwan ... Everybody bout di place know Eltha, why dem woulda want kill her?"

Other residents believe that Smith was not the real target and that her attacker was probably sending a clear message as nothing was taken from her.

"As news of her death spread, some people start move out the place ... Dem must know weh dem a run from," echoed another resident to THE STAR.

THE STAR also gathered that Smith's attacker wore a mask and that he escaped on foot.

When THE STAR contacted the Lawrence Tavern police, a senior officer confirmed the incident and told our news team that investigation into the matter is ongoing.