Andre' Williams, STAR Writer

The main suspect in the murder of 50-year-old dancehall entertainer Wayne 'Captain Barkey' Hamilton and his girlfriend at a motel in New York early Saturday morning seemingly lived a life of crime, THE STAR has learnt.

According to www.nydailynews.com, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has tagged 42-year-old Joseph Kernizan as the main suspect in Saturday morning's murder of the Jamaican dancehall deejay and his girlfriend 38-year-old Tracy Bennett.

Kernizan is reportedly Bennett's babyfather.

Police reports indicate that Kernizan, a Haitian national, has a police record of at least 16 arrests including: fraud, robbery, assault, forgery and criminal possession of a weapon.

The NYPD says their investigations has been aided by evidence retrieved from the motel's closed-circuit TV following the homicide.

gunned down

Further reports indicate that the two were gunned down as they were about to drive from the parking lot of the Bronx motel just after 3 a.m. Meanwhile, Wickerman, the other half of the duo Captain Barkey and Wickerman, said Barkey's death has hurt him deeply

He said, "Bwoy Barkey death affect me physically, mentally and financially in every way ... Me and Barkey just did a show in Germany and we mash up the whole place til the promoter dem book we fi next year, mi a tell yuh star ... Barkey lived in America but we keep in touch jus the same."

He continued, "Barkey shouldn't drop him guard ... People dead in a many ways but to how him dead with no help, mi vex wid him. Mi can't believe ... Mi tell Barkey be careful."

According to eyewitness reports, Captain Barkey was attacked first as he fled while trying to escape the fury of his ruthless attacker. Bennett it was reported, died shortly after while begging for her life.

The NYPD also reports that the two were pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics.

It is believed Bennett had a restraining order out on Kernizan, however, no confirmation was provided.

Meanwhile, Captain Barkey, a member of the renown entertaining duo 'Captain Barkey and Wickerman', recorded for top producers King Jammys and Steelie and Clevie among others.

Captain Barkey and Wickerman are known for hits such as Bun Fi Bun and Go Go Wine which stood atop local charts in the 90s.