Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
Delroy Reid - CONTRIBUTED
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE MEMBERSHIP of the Mount Carey Baptist Church in St. James is mourning the loss of their church brother, Delroy 'Manny' Reid, a popular musician and teacher in Montego Bay, who was hacked to death by a distant relative on Tuesday night.
The relative is now in police custody and has been identified as 24-year-old Sheldon Thomas, a labourer of a St. Elizabeth address.
Thomas fled the scene but was held in Whithorn, Westmoreland, where he was attempting to board a bus in bloody clothing. He was reportedly in possession of Mr. Reid's briefcase and wallet containing cash, driver's licence and other documents.
"It's very tragic, we've lost a friend and a dedicated brother," said Reverend Dr. George Simpson, pastor at the Mount Carey Baptist. "He was the organist and secretary of the Men's Department."
MUSICAL TALENT
The 51-year-old music teacher served as the St. James representative for Jamaica Baptist Union Youth Department and shared his musical talent with numerous churches within the parish and the St. James Police Choir. He is survived by his wife Donna and a teenaged daughter.
"On a personal level, I shared in his marriage and we both served on the church council. He was very a helpful and friendly person," Dr. Simpson continued.
Reports are that, shortly after 8 p.m., Thomas was at Mr. Reid's home in Mount Carey when the deceased placed his wallet on a dresser and went into the kitchen to cook.
WALLET MISSING
He later returned to the room and discovered his wallet missing and accused Thomas of taking it. An argument developed between them and Thomas allegedly used a dagger to stab Mr. Reid several times before inflicting chop wounds with a machete.
Mr. Reid reportedly ran into a neighbour's yard shouting for help, before he collapsed and died.
"It is a sad and cruel loss. We all respected and loved him. He was a peaceful man who filled his life with activities relating to God, church, music and his family," remarked his sister-in-law, Sonia Heath.
