Did Byron James’ Past Catch Up With Him?

A childhood friend of 36-year-old Byron James says he is still trying to make sense of why James was ambushed and killed outside his family’s home Friday night.

Shortly before 10 p.m., police were called to Castle Street, where relatives had found James lying motionless in the yard. According to investigators, two masked men entered the property through a fence on the north side, shot James multiple times, and escaped. 

James had a troubled past. He was convicted in 2017 for the 2012 murder of Frank Vasquez on Neal’s Pen Road and was out on bail at the time of his death. He had also faced charges for attacking a court reporter during his trial.

But to those who knew him personally, James was more than his record. A childhood friend, who now works with James’s brother, described him as quiet and deeply affected by personal loss.

“I just know him as a humble person that keeps to himself. He had a loving family. Lost both his parents, mother to COVID and father from natural causes. Even when he came out of prison, he was still this humble soul. If I recall clearly, he came out even more humble,” he told News Five.

The friend said James wasn’t someone who sought attention or stirred trouble.

“I just can’t wrap my head around why someone would ambush him like this and take his life. He’s not someone to be everywhere in the public eye.”

Meanwhile, police in Dangriga are investigating the murder of 27 year old Oscar Williams Jr. He was shot dead last night while in his house on Rear Pine Street.