The Tragic Death of Peter Tosh: Unravelling the Mystery Behind His Murder

Peter Tosh, one of the most iconic and revolutionary figures in reggae music, was brutally murdered on the night of September 11, 1987. Known for his unapologetic advocacy for human rights, Tosh had long been a voice of resistance against oppression. His tragic death at the hands of men he had once tried to help shocked not only the music world but also the wider global community. The details surrounding his murder reveal a tale of betrayal, greed, and unresolved questions that continue to haunt his legacy.

A Peaceful Night Shattered

On the night of his death, Peter Tosh was at home with his common-law wife, Marlene Brown, and some close friends. According to Brown’s testimony, they were enjoying a quiet evening at Tosh’s Barbican Road residence in Kingston, Jamaica. It was around 7:30 pm, and the group had gathered in the living room, watching a satellite programme, sharing drinks and laughter, when the peace of the evening was violently disrupted.

The door to the house was suddenly thrown open, and three men stormed in—one of them was Dennis “Leppo” Lobban, a man Tosh had befriended and tried to help reintegrate into society after a lengthy prison sentence. Lobban was wielding a gun and accompanied by two unknown assailants, also armed. Lobban immediately demanded that everyone in the room "belly it," a phrase that meant they should lie face down on the floor.

Lobban demanded U.S. dollars, seemingly aware that Tosh had recently returned from a business trip to the United States where he was expected to be paid in U.S. currency. It is believed that Lobban may have overheard Tosh speaking on the phone about this money, sparking the idea for the robbery. When Tosh informed Lobban that he did not have any money in the house, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Lobban accused Tosh of giving his woman, Marlene, "authority" over him and claimed that she was responsible for Tosh's inability to maintain him and his cohorts.

Violence Escalates

As the ordeal unfolded, Lobban ordered his accomplices to disarm Tosh, knowing that the reggae icon was a Black Belt martial artist. Tosh was frisked, and one of the gunmen struck him on the head with a gun, rendering him unconscious. Marlene Brown, distressed by the situation, protested, but Lobban threatened to kick the already helpless Tosh, leaving her terrified and powerless to stop the attack.

Not long after, there was a knock at the door. The gunmen opened it to find Jeff “Free I” Dixon, a popular disc jockey, and his wife. The couple had come to visit Tosh, unaware of the danger inside. They were quickly ordered to lie face down on the floor as well, and when Free I hesitated, a gun was jabbed into his side, forcing his compliance. The gunmen proceeded to strip everyone in the room of their jewellery and personal belongings, turning what had been a peaceful night into a scene of terror.

Then, without warning, the gunmen opened fire. A barrage of bullets filled the room, killing Peter Tosh, Wilton “Doc” Brown, and Jeff “Free I” Dixon instantly. Marlene Brown was shot in the head but miraculously survived the ordeal. As the gunmen prepared to leave, one of them noticed that Marlene was still alive. He was ready to finish her off, but Lobban ordered him to leave, claiming she was already dead. She lay there motionless, pretending to be dead, while the men fled the scene.

The Aftermath and Arrest

The bloody attack left the music world reeling, and the hunt for the culprits began immediately. Detective Senior Superintendent Isadore “Dick” Hibbert, who was in charge of the investigation, soon apprehended Dennis “Leppo” Lobban. His capture came after a confession from a co-accused, Steve Russell, a taxi driver who had driven the gunmen to Tosh’s home on the night of the murders.

Russell’s testimony revealed key details about the crime. He claimed that he had been hired by Lobban to transport him and the two other men to Tosh’s house, though he had no knowledge of their intentions. After waiting nearby, he heard the gunshots and saw the men running back to his taxi with guns in hand. At Lobban’s command, Russell drove them away from the scene, but police quickly picked up the trail.

Russell eventually sought advice from Police Constable Leonard Austin, who advised him to keep quiet about his involvement. However, when confronted by detectives, Austin denied any such conversation, leading to Russell’s arrest. The following morning, Russell learned about the murders and, in fear of the consequences, cooperated with the police. His cooperation helped lead to Lobban’s capture.

The Trial and Convictions

Lobban was eventually brought to trial for the murders of Peter Tosh, Free I, and Wilton Brown. His defence relied on an alibi, claiming that both Marlene Brown and another survivor, Michael Robinson, had personal vendettas against him. He argued that their testimony was driven by malice, but the court found otherwise. Lobban also gave evidence in his defence, an unusual move in a murder trial, but his explanations were unconvincing. He was convicted on all counts of murder.

However, the trial was not without its complications. Steve Russell was acquitted of all charges after his lawyer successfully argued that the evidence against him was insufficient. Despite his role in driving the men to and from the scene, the court ruled that he had no prior knowledge of the robbery or the murders.

Lobban, meanwhile, appealed his conviction, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the case in 1990, affirming that a “powerful case” had been made against him. His sentence of death by hanging was commuted in 1995, and he is currently serving a life sentence in the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston.

Unanswered Questions and Theories

While Dennis Lobban was convicted, many questions remain unanswered about the full scope of the crime. Lobban refused to reveal the identities of the two other gunmen who had accompanied him, leaving a crucial part of the mystery unresolved. Their names were never publicly disclosed, and they have never been brought to justice.

Theories persist that Peter Tosh’s murder may have been more than a simple robbery gone wrong. Some believe that Tosh, with his outspoken political views and powerful influence, may have been targeted for reasons beyond financial gain. Jamaica in the 1980s was a politically volatile country, and Tosh’s militant stance on social issues may have made him enemies in high places.

Others speculate that the crime was a personal vendetta or an act of betrayal by Lobban, who Tosh had tried to help. Lobban’s erratic behaviour during the robbery, including his accusations against Marlene Brown, suggests that personal motives may have been intertwined with greed.

The Legacy of Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh’s death was a tragic loss for the world of music and activism. He was a fearless voice for justice, using his platform to fight against oppression, inequality, and corruption. His songs, such as Legalize It and Equal Rights, continue to inspire generations of people worldwide.

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