‘She was an angel’

The start of the school week at St John’s Primary in Spanish Town, St Catherine, was shrouded in grief. It wasn’t the typical chatter or bustle that marked a Monday. Instead, it was silence – broken only by the soft footsteps of children entering through the school gate, many clinging tightly to their parents. Their hearts were heavy, mourning the loss of one of their own: nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon.

Kelsey, a grade-three student on the afternoon shift, was murdered last Friday night.

A person of interest, Giovannie Ellis, was killed yesterday in an alleged police shootout.

But no news of justice could ease the pain in the classroom where Kelsey once sat. Her desk had become a shrine: candles arranged in the shape of a heart, flowers, and a heart-shaped balloon resting on top.

Students took their seats, eyes drawn to the glowing memorial, tears sliding silently down their faces.

One student left a note expressing her feelings towards her: “Kelsey, you are my closest friend, always in my heart. Dearest Kelsey, I miss you so much. I love you deeply, until my heart breaks. Love always.”

In one corner, her class teacher, Candace Coburn, sat weeping – comforted by fellow teacher Renice McFarlane. After composing herself, Coburn painted a portrait of Kelsey that radiated love.

“She was so calm, she was helpful. She did really well at her work, and I always see her as someone I could turn to when there is a problem,” Coburn said. “She was always open to talk and always trying to find solutions to problems other classmates were having.”

Coburn recalled how Kelsey’s leadership and kindness earned her the role of group leader. One memory in particular broke her voice: Teachers’ Day.

“She came to me and offered to make a card for me, and asked what words she should write in it. I told her to write whatever she wanted,” Coburn shared. “She created the most beautiful neon pink card for me with the sweetest words written inside, and a rag and a towel with her initials inscribed on them. She gave me a hug and said, ‘Miss, this is all I can give.’ I replied, ‘This is all I want.’”

The love didn’t stop there. Ronike, a vendor at the school, also remembered Kelsey fondly.

“Last Wednesday, the little girl came to me and said, ‘Teacher love candy and I want to get one for her, but I only have $100,’” she recalled. “I sold her one with words written on it: ‘I love you.’ After school dismissed, Kelsey came to me and hugged me gleefully and said, ‘Teacher love it.”

Senior Education Officer Stephney Webb Parker extended support to the grieving school, assuring, “There are persons you can reach out to get the help you need.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, overwhelmed by the scene at the school, said, “I was filled with emotion.”

He said Ellis was fatally shot in Sandy Bay, Clarendon, after engaging police in a shoot-out.

“The investigation has been intense ... . We have been working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Outside her home, Ellis’ mother, Lerlene Williams, expressed no remorse.

“Mi nah back no pickney that do wrongs … . Anything come after that is your business,” she declared.

ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com

Person of interest killed in alleged gunfight

Ellis, the 30-year-old man who was listed as a person of interest for the murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon, was fatally shot by the police in Sandy Bay, Clarendon, during an operation on Monday.

Ferrigon was found dead inside a barrel at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town, St Catherine, partially nude and bearing signs of physical abuse.

The police believe she was sexually assaulted.

The murder has sparked national outrage, with calls for stronger protection of children and swift justice.

Ellis, alias ‘Coolie Man’, who was out on bail on a charge of cruelty to a child, was being sought since the discovery of girl’s body last Friday night.

According to the police, about 11 a.m. on Monday, a team from the St Catherine North Proactive Investigations Unit went to premises in Rose Hall district in Sandy Bay in search of Ellis, who the police had asked to report to them by 5 p.m. last Saturday.

On their arrival, an alleged confrontation ensued between Ellis and the police, during which he was shot.

A firearm was reportedly retrieved from the scene.

The police said Ellis was transported to the May Pen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The police said the matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.