Search intensifies for Ellis in murder of 9-year-old Spanish Town schoolgirl

The police have intensified their search for Giovanni Ellis, otherwise called 'Indian' or 'Coolie Man,' who has been named a person of interest in the gruesome killing of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Up to yesterday, investigators believed Ellis, of a Job Lane address, was hiding in the Kingston Eastern police division. He was reportedly seen in the Harbour View area.

Ellis, who is out on bail on a charge of cruelty to a child, is considered armed and dangerous.

Assistant Commissioner Wayne Josephs has said law enforcement is fully mobilised.

A $2-million reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Ferrigon's attacker.

Ferrigon was found dead Friday night inside a barrel at her home, partially nude and bearing signs of physical abuse. Police believe she was sexually assaulted before being killed

Her 16-year-old brother made the horrific discovery around 8 p.m. while their mother was away from the home.

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

“This is a desecration of innocence that shakes us to our very core,” said Laurette Adams-Thomas, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), which has deployed crisis support to the family. Counselling for the mother and her three surviving children—aged 16, 6, and 3—began on Monday through the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division.

The Opposition People’s National Party called the killing “an affront to our collective humanity” and urged a shift from grief to action.

“This cannot be business as usual,” said MP Denise Daley, Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Disabilities and Inclusion. “Let this be the moment we say: never again.”

Child advocacy group Hear the Children’s Cry also expressed alarm, warning of growing desensitisation to child violence. “We need more than sympathy—we need urgent, coordinated action,” said attorney and advocate Priscilla Duhaney.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang labelled the killing “an unspeakable act of evil” and has instructed Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake to deploy all available resources to apprehend Ellis.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 119, Crime Stop at 311, or the Spanish Town Police at 876-984-2305.

-Ruddy Mathison

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Ellis was on bail on a rape charge. He was, in fact, out on bail on a charge of cruelty to a child. We regret the error. 

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