3-year-old boy killed, 5 others injured in machete attack in St. Mary

A three-year-old boy was hacked to death and five other people injured by a man believed to be mentally unstable in Paggee in Port Maria, St Mary on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Asha Campbell.

Among those hospitalized is the child’s mother, who police said tried to defend her child during the brutal machete attack.

According to Port Maria police reports, Asha was out with family members between 3:30pm and 4pm when the mentally ill man attacked him with an iron pipe and a knife.

Despite Asha’s mother’s efforts to defend him, she, along with five others, suffered stab wounds to various parts of her body.

The police were alerted and the injured were taken to the hospital, where Asha was pronounced dead on arrival.

One person was treated and released, while the others are still in hospital, police confirmed.

The suspect has been arrested, but his identity is being kept secret pending the completion of the investigation.

Late Wednesday, Omar Newell, People’s National Party (PNP) interim candidate for St. Mary Central, described the incident as heartbreaking.

“Today was one of the most heartbreaking days of my political career. I visited Port Maria Hospital after learning that six people were brutally attacked in Paggee, including a three-year-old boy who tragically succumbed to his injuries. Among the seriously injured are his mother and sister,” Newell wrote on Facebook.

He turned to counselors and other people who could offer him help.

“Let us come together and pray for the victims, their families and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, little one,” Newell said.