The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today:

Our hearts are heavy with the news that Elder Jermaine Luther Walker from Savanna La Mar, Jamaica--serving in the Jamaica Kingston Mission--was killed today.  He was hit by a stray bullet while he and seven other missionaries were returning to their apartments after a preparation-day activity. It appears the van they were in was caught in the crossfire as local police were pursuing another vehicle. Elder Walker was immediately driven to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Although shaken, the other missionaries in the van were reported in good condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Walker’s family and all who knew this fine young man.