Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Hundreds of residents converge on the Morant Bay Police Station in St. Thomas yesterday, demanding that the police release into their custody a man who had been detained as a suspect in the brutal murder of five family members in the parish on the weekend. The residents were adamant that the man, who was not identified, should be punished. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
IN A scene unfamiliar to the town of Morant Bay, St. Thomas, a sea of angry residents yesterday threatened to attack the police station, demanding that the lawmen hand over a man they claimed was responsible for the deaths of the five family members, including three children, who were brutally murdered in the parish on Sunday.
The victims were identified as Patrice Martin-McCool, Sean Chin Jnr., nine, Marshall George McCool, three, nine year-old Jesse O'Gilvie and a 40-year-old woman, Terry-Ann Mohammed. They are all from Duhaney Pen in the parish.
"Him fi dead, give we him mek we kill him," shouted members of the the angry mob, whose boisterous behaviour forced the police to close the doors of the station for more than an hour.
ASKED POLICE TO COLLECT HIM
The man, who was deported a year ago from the United States, was picked up by lawmen in Harbour View, east Kingston, shortly after he had contacted the Morant Bay police. Reports are that, out of fear for his life, he asked the police to come and get him.
He is among three men being questioned in connection with the murders.
"Some contact was made between him and the police, but I think we are on top of things," said Superintendent Doric Sinclair, who took over command of the division yesterday.
While the police are yet to establish a motive for the multiple killing, preliminary investigations suggest it may have been drug-related.
"We have been hearing more than one story, but from my point of view, I believe that there is more than one factor at play here," James Robertson, Member of Parliament for West St. Thomas, told The Gleaner yesterday.
He said the people were angry and the area tense.
"I am hoping that the police get additional staff to their complement to keep everybody calm and handle the situation," he added.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said he was shocked and appalled at the murders and "deeply distressed that human beings would go to such horrible extremes."
"Today the country is plunged into sadness and mourning," he said. "This latest incident reminds us that we cannot be complacent in the fight against crime and violence."
The Prime Minister said he hoped those missing would be found alive and called for the community to comfort the family and assistant the police in apprehending all those responsible.
Up to yesterday evening, two children were still missing and feared dead. A spokesperson at the Morant Bay Police Station said they received several calls that bodies were "here and there", which turned out to be false.
Esther McGowan, principal of the Morant Bay Primary School, said it was an emotional scene at her school yesterday morning, as the death of Jesse O'Gilvie, who was a popular student and a member of the school's scout group, has left schoolmates traumatised.
"His best friend who sits beside him told us yesterday that he felt like killing himself," said a teary eyed Miss McGowan.
The Ministry of National Security said counsellors from its Victim Support Unit were assisting families, the community and schools affected by the murders.
Yesterday National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips condemned the killings and called on anyone with information to assist the police.
