CPFSA calls death of siblings in St Ann horrific, to provide community with counselling

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is horrified by the brutal murders of two young brothers in Swamp district in Moneague, St Ann.

The children, three-year-old Shamir Henry and one-year-old Amir Saunders, are believed to have been killed by the father of the younger child.

According to CPFSA, the father was is suspected to have been under the influence of narcotics at the time.

The incident, which occurred at the home of the man, also left the children’s mother injured.

Reports indicate that the woman had been visiting her younger son, Amir, who lived with his father, and brought along her other child, Shamir, when the tragedy unfolded.

“This gruesome incident is beyond tragic; it is absolutely horrific! We shudder to think of what these innocent children may have endured in their final moments. Our hearts are also with the mother, who has suffered the devastating loss of her only two children,” said CPFSA CEO Laurette Adams-Thomas.

“Our investigations into the matter are ongoing, and while we are unable at this time to confirm whether there was a history of violence in the home, what we do know is that these gruesome acts have left scars not only on the family but on the wider community,” she added.

She further stated that in the meantime, the agency is preparing to host two meetings in the community - one with the adults and another with the children, to help them process their grief and trauma following this tragedy.

“Incidents such as these can cause deep trauma for residents, especially children, who may struggle to make sense of what has happened. As is our practice, the CPFSA will work with community-based partners such as schools, churches and other government agencies present in the community to support the healing process. These group sessions will help us to assess the extent of grief

being experienced by the members of the community, especially the children, and provide further counselling interventions where needed,” Adams-Thomas said.

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