Jahkoby Smith was fatally stabbed after the wake of a shooting victim turned into an alcohol or drug-fuelled mêlée, according to police.

One man has been arrested in connection with the incident at West End Sailboat Club on Saturday evening, in which a second man was also stabbed, detectives said yesterday. Police stressed the killing was not revenge for the likely gang-related death of 20-year-old Jahcari Francis, whose funeral had taken place earlier in the day.

“This event was not a retaliatory event that occurred as a result of the death of Mr Francis,” Acting Superintendent Nicholas Pedro, told a press conference.

“It is our understanding that the persons involved in the death of Mr Smith, and Mr Smith himself, were associates and friends of the deceased Mr Francis.”

The investigation, Mr Pedro said, suggested that the 21-year-old’s death was the result of “antisocial behaviour” that was “fuelled by alcohol and or other items, possibly including drugs”.

Reports, he said, indicated that alcohol was consumed at the church service at Christ Church in Devonshire, as well as at the graveside before the event in the West End.

The behaviour escalated into a “full mêlée”, Mr Pedro said, with Mr Smith and the other victim being stabbed.

He described Mr Smith’s death as “senseless”.

Mr Francis was fatally shot on July 19 in the same house on Upland Street, Devonshire, where his close friend Isaiah Furbert, 19, was fatally shot nine months ago.

Police previously said their deaths were likely part of an longstanding feud between two gangs. While he would not provide specifics, Mr Pedro said that both waterborne and roadside measures were in place to “monitor and deter” rival gang factions from attending the club at the time of Saturday’s event. No police officers were on the premises at the time, he said.

Gail Allen, Mr Smith’s aunt, pleaded with members of the public who may have information on what transpired to come forward.

“Sit down and do a statement — because that’s the only way that justice is going to be served,” she said.

“We need you to help us solve this murder.”

Ms Allen described her nephew as someone who had “so much love in his heart for his family”.

“Our family is hurting so bad,” she said. A man, who has not been identified, has been arrested in connection with the murder and wounding.

Chief Inspector Na’imah Astwood said the suspect was not arrested on the club’s property. A number of people, she said, had come forward to help police with the investigation.

“It’s important that we hear from as many people as possible,” she said.

“We want to get it right.”

Wayne Caines, Minister of National Security, was scheduled to meet with Michael DeSilva, Commissioner of Police, yesterday.

He described the incident as part of a “national crisis” in a statement released on Sunday.

The incident happened at 7.15pm on Saturday. Witnesses should call Acting Inspector Dean Martin of the Serious Crime Unit on 717-2074 or 247-1739, or the confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline on 800-8477.