No success so far in search for missing Jayden Smith

 

The search for missing seventh grader Jayden Smith has yielded no results on Friday despite efforts by emergency teams and community members. 

 

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, along with the Canine team, conducted a major search operation in Wales, Manchester to locate the Manchester High School student who has been missing for two weeks.

 

The search was called off about 2:30 p.m. 

 

The coordinated effort follows extensive ground operations by local police, relatives and community members over the last few days. 

 

Deputy Superintendent Dennis Simpson, officer in charge of criminal investigations for the Manchester Police, said a raft of resources have been deployed to return the child to his family.

 

"Over the period, we would have exhausted a lot of efforts in locating Jayden or several sightings reported to the police. We would have exhausted all these sightings. All these efforts so far came up futile. Today, we are just extending our efforts in Wales District, Newport, where Jayden resides. We have support, drone support. Today, we have support from the cadaver dogs. We are just using all the resources available to us in advancing efforts in locating Jayden."

 

He said the police have also been contending with prank calls as they attempt to bring home the 13-year-old boy. 

 

"I want to use this medium just to advise the public not to make prank calls. This is a very serious matter. We'll leave no effort unturned until we locate Jayden. And Jayden, if you are out there, I just want you to come in to the police, come in to your relatives. They are concerned," DSP Simpson appealed.

 

Jayden was reportedly spotted near Mandeville earlier this week, and his disappearance has sparked growing concern among residents and relatives.

 

His guardian, Ann-Marie Thompson, has denied speculation that the family is responsible for him failing to return home. 

 

Ms. Thompson is adamant that he was not harmed by any member of the family.

 

"Why would we hurt Jayden?" she questioned, reiterating that she took him in years ago, got him immunised, and has been providing for him. 

 

"Jayden bigger brother is also living here where I helped to grow that child. And Roshane is what? About 25. So why would I hurt Jayden? And I want people to stop because we are not criminals. We are not murderers. We love Jayden with all our hearts. The time that you're wasting on social media, help us to find Jayden. Help us to pray. Help us to find Jayden instead of spreading rumors on us," she pleaded.