The small community of Wales, Manchester, Jamaica, is in shock following the disappearance of 12-year-old Jayden Thompson, a first-form student at Manchester High School.
Known for his quiet nature, helpful demeanor, and academic promise, Jayden was last seen at Little Caesar’s restaurant in Mandeville last Friday.
His guardians, Omar and Ann-marie Thompson, who have raised Jayden since he was six, are pleading for his safe return. “Wi no waa find no body. Any way dem can lef’ him, please, please… please just send him home,” Omar said, expressing the family’s anguish.
According to CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, Jayden entered the restaurant, purchased food, and lingered briefly before giving his umbrella to a friend. He reportedly mentioned waiting for a cousin, though the relative was not at school that day and unaware of any plans. Later, he was allegedly seen walking with another student and an unidentified woman near Master Mac supermarket. There have been no confirmed sightings since.
The Thompsons also revealed that the day before his disappearance, Jayden had been involved in an accident at home, when a two-year-old cousin fell and broke a hip while playing. “Honestly, I did not know how he felt,” Mrs. Thompson said, recalling the last time she saw him Thursday night at the hospital. She added that he had not been scolded for the accident, though she wondered if he might have been feeling guilty.
When Jayden failed to return home Friday evening, the Thompsons grew increasingly worried. Their repeated calls to his phone went unanswered, and his room was found dark and untouched, with his school bag and uniform missing. The family filed a missing person report but expressed frustration over what they described as a slow response from some members of the Mandeville police, forcing them to check locations themselves following false leads.
Described by his guardians as obedient, hard-working, quiet, and humble, Jayden excelled academically, finishing as the top male performer in the Primary Exit Profile exams, earning a $15,000 award before entering Manchester High. The Thompsons said he is loved as one of their own children.
Manchester High School principal Jasford Gabriel said the school community is actively searching and praying for Jayden’s safe return. He is described as dark-skinned, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, and of slim build. He was last seen in his school uniform.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Alligator Pond Police at 876-224-3113, dial 119, or report to the nearest police station.
