The brutal murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon has sent shockwaves across Jamaica, prompting a massive police response and a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).
The body of the St. John’s Primary School student was discovered at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town on Friday, May 9th, leaving the community reeling.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Phillips, Head of the Area 5 Police, assured the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to bring those responsible to justice. Speaking at the joint launch of four neighbourhood watch programmes in Hellshire, St. Catherine, on Saturday, May 10th, ACP Phillips stated that the investigation is “far advanced” and a person of interest has been identified.
“Several statements have been recorded. Several teams were briefed and deployed within the division and in other areas,” ACP Phillips informed. “I left everything to be at the review with investigators and I was impressed to see [that] all the police officers came out. All the units were out doing an immediate review on that case. We must do everything in our power to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.”
Police have since intensified their search for Giovanni Ellis, also known as ‘Indian’ or ‘Coolie Man,’ who they have named as a person of interest in Kelsey’s gruesome killing. Investigators believe Ellis, who resides on Job Lane, may be hiding in the Kingston Eastern police division and was reportedly seen in the Harbour View area. Authorities warn that Ellis, who is currently out on bail for a rape charge, is considered armed and dangerous. Assistant Commissioner Wayne Josephs has confirmed full mobilisation of law enforcement in the pursuit.
The tragic discovery was made around 8 p.m. on Friday by Kelsey’s 16-year-old brother while their mother was away from their home. Initial reports indicate that Kelsey Ferrigon was found partially nude inside a barrel and bore signs of physical abuse, leading police to believe she was sexually assaulted before her death.
The Ministry of National Security has offered a substantial $2 million reward for any information that leads to the capture of the individual or individuals responsible for this heinous crime.
The outpouring of grief and anger has been widespread. The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, condemned the “horrific killing” and urged the community to seek justice through legal channels, not revenge.
In a statement, Minister Grange conveyed the government’s support to Kelsey’s family and echoed the call for information, emphasizing the pain felt across the nation, especially for Kelsey’s mother on the eve of Mother’s Day.
“I spent the day in the constituency trying to comfort and commiserate with those who have been affected by this latest act of brutality against a little girl. Like everyone there, I feel the pain of this vile act to my core. Understandably, there is a lot of sadness and anger in the constituency, but we need justice for Kelsey, not revenge. I commend the police for the intensity of their investigations so far. I urge my constituents to work with the police in our pursuit of justice,” she said.
Despite the tragedy, ACP Phillips highlighted a positive trend in the Area 5 crime statistics, which mirrors the national figures. He said since the start of the year, there has been a reduction in murders and shootings. A total of 60 murders have been recorded since the start of the year when compared to 81 the previous year, and a total of 68 shootings when compared to 83 the previous year.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Kelsey Ferrigon or the whereabouts of Giovanni Ellis is urged to contact the police immediately.
