May 9, 2025
Jamaican Dancer ‘Dhq Chicken’ was fatally shot in Manchester. The young woman, identified as Brittania Francis, was killed early Thursday morning. A local news report, citing police, detailed that the dancer was killed around 1:30 a.m. in the Richmond district, which is situated south of Mandeville. Francis, most commonly known as Dhq Chicken, was at a bar with the establishment’s staff during closing time. When they were closing and preparing to leave the bar, there were loud explosions. The explosions were apparently gunshots, and Francis was discovered with injuries shortly after. Information such as where she sustained the gunshot wounds and the number of times she was shot is currently unclear.
A vehicle was also damaged in the gun attack, as local news outlet Jamaica Observer reported that a window on a Toyota Voxy shattered after being shot. Francis was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries while doctors attempted to save her. Francis is a 26-year-old dancer who hails from the Brinkley district within proximity of Junction in St Elizabeth. She was thrust into the spotlight upon winning the International Dancehall Queen competition in 2022. Her murder is now being investigated by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
As of Saturday, May 3, police statistics reveal that Manchester has recorded six murders since the start of the year. This marks a notable decrease compared to the same period last year, which saw 13 homicides. The most recent incident pushed the current total from five to six. The news of her murder has triggered heartbreaking and angry responses on social media, especially among those in the dancehall community. One comment online described her as a humble, respectful, and drama-free dancer. She was admired not only for her talent but also for her dedication to providing for her daughter through dance, based on the comment. Many mourners expressed disbelief and deep sadness, calling for justice. Some blamed the return of crime following the removal of security zones, while others pointed fingers at a toxic culture that endangers women.
