Hear The Children’s Cry condemns Kidd Lane killings, suggests death penalty

Children’s lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) has condemned what it describes as the “horrendous" triple murder in Kidd Lane, St Andrew on Friday, and is urging swift and effective action on the part of the police in apprehending the culprits. HTCC board member Nigel Cooper is also calling for the death penalty to be considered for those found guilty. “Yet another precious child, and two women have been heartlessly sacrificed in yet another senseless, depraved act of wanton violence, a situation which Jamaica cannot tolerate. HTCC condemns this vicious act of violence,” said Cooper. “We are calling for the security forces to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We are also calling for the death penalty to be on the table as judgment is passed on them,” he added. Cooper has offered his, and HTCC’s deepest sympathy to the families of 30-year-old Lashane Ellis, her one year old son Kaheel Daley, and their 39 year old neighbour, Kimeisha Gibson. The three were killed when, according to the police, armed men invaded the house occupied by Ellis and her son about 11:30 pm, opened fire and set the premises ablaze. The gunmen reportedly then turned their weapons on Gibson in the neighbouring house before making their escape. In a statement on Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness called the attack “an assault on the sensibilities of the entire nation, spreading fear through criminal terror.” With reports that some residents were fleeing the area, Holness said, “No innocent citizen should have to flee their community because of gangs and organised violence. It is the gunmen who must flee!” He said he has instructed Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang to treat the case with intense attention. “I have no doubt that the perpetrators will be caught and justice will be served,” the prime minister said.