True Crime: The Bronx Motel Double Murder

The Incident

On October 13, 2012, in the Bronx, New York, police continued their search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of dancehall entertainer Wayne Hamilton, popularly known as Captain Barkey. The 50-year-old performer was killed alongside 38-year-old Tracy Bennett as they left a motel.

The primary suspect, 42-year-old Joseph Kernizan, also known as “Country,” was a New York promoter of NuLook, a prominent konpa band in the Haitian music scene. Witnesses identified Kernizan as the assailant in the tragic incident.

The Manhunt and Tragic End

Following the double murder, the U.S. Marshals’ fugitive taskforce tracked Kernizan from New York to a two-story apartment building in Northeast Miami-Dade. Authorities feared Kernizan was planning to flee to his native Haiti, according to Barry Golden, a spokesperson for the Marshals Service.

Law enforcement arrived at the apartment complex at 10:14 p.m. and surrounded the location. Using a P.A. system, they instructed residents to exit the building. Kernizan was spotted peeking out of a ground-floor apartment window and attempted to escape through a back door but retreated upon seeing the police.

Shortly after, a man who had been inside the apartment with Kernizan exited, and three gunshots were heard from within. Officers shattered a back window to gain entry and found Kernizan dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three handguns and two loaded AK-47 assault rifles were discovered at the scene.

The Background

Joseph Kernizan, a father of two of Tracy Bennett’s three children, had been in a tumultuous relationship with her. Friends of the couple noted that Bennett was frequently seen at Kernizan’s shows. Bennett had a restraining order against Kernizan for stalking her.

Captain Barkey, born Joslyn Hamilton, was a veteran Jamaican dancehall artist known for hits like “Go Go Wine” and “Bun Fi Bun.” Barkey’s 2010 single “She Nah Lef Joe” described how he got close and comfortable with Tracy Bennett, even bringing up her children and implying a deeply intimate relationship. This song highlighted the complexity of their entanglement and the tensions within the love triangle involving Kernizan, Bennett, and Barkey.

Captain Barkey, a popular reggae artist and also an adulterer, had his wife in Milwaukee drive him to the airport so he could meet his lover, Tracy Bennett, at a motel in the Bronx. This detail underscores the extent of his deception and the tangled web of relationships involved.

Public Reaction and Commentary

The incident shocked both the Haitian music community and residents of the quiet neighborhood where Kernizan ended his life. Niyah Garnett, a resident, recounted hearing a gunshot and the subsequent police activity that lasted until early morning.

In the aftermath, discussions about the motivations behind the crime surfaced. Kernizan was described as a nice person and loving father who felt deeply betrayed by Bennett. Reports emerged that Kernizan had supported Bennett financially, including paying for her nursing degree, housing, and even plastic surgery, only to find her in a relationship with Captain Barkey.

Some of Captain Barkey’s friends made several disparaging comments about the killer. They even claimed they had warned him about the use of voudou, suggesting that fighting over women was not a Jamaican trait but rather an issue more common among African Americans and Haitians. While their grief and anger over Captain Barkey’s tragic death were understandable, these comments offended many within the Haitian community.

A Cautionary Tale

The tragic end of this love triangle serves as a somber reminder of the complexities and potential dangers of personal relationships. Joseph Kernizan’s actions were driven by a sense of betrayal and financial exploitation. His violent reaction led to the loss of three lives and left a community grappling with the aftermath.

While no one can condone Kernizan’s actions, understanding the depth of his feelings of betrayal sheds light on the tragic sequence of events. It serves as a stark reminder to be cautious and considerate in relationships, mindful of the impact of our actions on others.

Reflection

This story highlights the profound consequences of deceit and betrayal. Kernizan’s life spiraled into violence after enduring what he perceived as deep personal and financial wrongs. The lives lost and the sorrow left behind underscore the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships.

Both Joseph Kernizan, known as “Country,” and Captain Barkey were laid to rest in their respective homelands of Haiti and Jamaica. The funerals drew significant attention, with many mourning the tragic loss of these prominent figures in their communities. In contrast, Tracy Bennett’s final arrangements remain more obscure; her obituary does not appear to be available online, adding an air of mystery to her already complex and controversial story. The absence of public information regarding her burial has left many questions unanswered and contributes to the lingering intrigue surrounding this tragic love triangle.