A man reportedly of unsound mind who was accused of killing the 14-year-old daughter of a member of the constabulary force was shot and killed by the police during an alleged confrontation.
The teen, Tianna Sutherland, was Jamaican-American and arrived on the island a few days ago for her summer vacation. Sutherland, whose father was a police sergeant stationed in St. Thomas, was visiting relatives in Blue Mahoe in the parish when the incident occurred on Wednesday.
According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Sutherland was at home when the man entered the home via an open grill. The man allegedly attacked the minor and a tussle ensued.
She was reportedly able to inflict a wound on her attacker during the struggle. She also alerted her father via a telephone; however, the assailant stabbed her multiple times during the attack. Initial reports suggest that the teen was sexually assaulted by the man.
The man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was reportedly seen by residents running from the scene in bloody clothes. Sutherland’s father later arrived at the house and discovered his daughter’s body in the kitchen.
Sutherland was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. After the incident, members of the St. Thomas Operational Support Team (OST) launched an investigation, which led them to a concrete dwelling located nearby.
A trail of blood at the premises led them to bloody clothes and they discovered the suspect naked inside the building. He allegedly attacked the officers with a machete and they took evasive action, fatally shooting him. During a search of the property, Sutherland’s phone and jewellery were found.
