CPFSA alarmed by quadruple killing in Central Village

By Prince Moore    

 

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency says it is deeply troubled by the heinous act of violence that claimed the lives of four members of a family in Central Village, St. Catherine on Tuesday.

 

Two women and two children, four-year-old Kheaden Patterson and 13-year-old Sora Whyte, lost their lives during the incident in which their house was firebombed.

 

CEO of the CPFSA Laurette Adams-Thomas said psychological support will be provided to the surviving family members. 

 

"We mourn with the surviving family members and we are currently conducting an investigation to determine the kind of psychosocial and psychological interventions that we can offer to them. Our children and family support unit stands ready to assist in providing the necessary support and they will also be referred to the Ministry of Justice's Victim Services Division for counselling." 

 

Radio Jamaica News was informed that explosions were heard about 1:30 Tuesday morning, and shortly after fire was seen coming from the three bedroom house.

 

Three of the bodies were found on the verandah and a fourth in a bathroom. 

 

The CPFSA head has called for an end to all forms of violence against children and women, adding that they should not "become unnecessary casualties of inter-community disputes".

 

"Our children are our future and it is hard to see how their innocent lives are being cut short, especially in such a senseless way," Mrs. Adams-Thomas lamented.