More than two years after her husband was shot dead by gunmen in their shop in Soho District, St Thomas, 53-year-old Florette Manhertz met a similar fate.

Manhertz was killed on Sunday night by men who entered her establishment posing as customers. Reports are that about 10:25 p.m., Manhertz was in her shop when three men posing as customers, entered. One of the men ordered an item and then pulled a handgun and opened fire, hitting her. She died at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Desmond Manhertz was killed in much the same manner as his wife. He, too, was in the shop when men posing as customers entered. One of the men pulled a firearm and shot him. His death was widely believed to be connected to a lawsuit he had spearheaded.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network's liaison officer for the parish, Sergeant Desmond Roach, the man charged for Manhertz's murder was to appear in the current session of the St Thomas Circuit Court, which began yesterday. Mrs Manhertz was a witness in this case. The police were, however, unable to confirm a link.

The Morant Bay CIB is investigating the matter.