Murdered 8-y-o was cop’s daughter
Published:Sunday | June 11, 2023 | 1:37 AM
The police have revealed that they are pursuing “several lines of inquiry” into the appalling abduction and murder of eight-year-old Danielle Rowe, the daughter of a serving member of the force.
The child was reportedly abducted on Thursday from the Braeton Primary and Infant School, which is located in the St Catherine South Police Division in which her parent works.
She was found later that day with her throat slashed on Roosevelt Avenue in St Andrew.
Danielle succumbed to her injuries at the Bustamante Hospital for Children yesterday morning.
“Danielle Rowe was the daughter of a serving Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) member assigned to the St Catherine South Division,” said a statement from the police yesterday afternoon.
“This heinous crime has shocked our nation, and the thoughts and deepest condolences of the entire JCF family go out to her family, friends, and school community during this incredibly difficult time.”
It said the force’s Chaplaincy Unit and wider membership are providing support to their grieving colleague.
The JCF has joined calls for persons with information to make reports.
“We are urgently calling on the public to help us bring the perpetrator(s) of this horrendous act to justice. If you have any information that you believe can assist in solving this case, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your contribution could be pivotal in helping us solve this case and bring closure to the grieving family,” it said, adding that “we would like to assure the public that any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
Persons may call the National Intelligence Bureau Tip Line at 811, Crime Stop at 311, Police Emergency at 119, or the nearest police station.
The St Andrew Central and St Catherine South Police Divisions are leading the investigation.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the crime as “deeply disturbing and barbaric” and has directed that “all the necessary investigative resources must be mobilised to bring the perpetrator to justice”.
Holness has also instructed Education Minister Fayval Williams to have all schools review their safety and security policies.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding said the murder was a “despicable and depraved act of violence against this innocent little girl”.
“It is yet another instance of how low our country has fallen in caring for our children,” he tweeted yesterday.
“CPFSA holds our mandate to protect the nation’s children in highest regard and in so doing we continuously make appeals to the community to do their part in being more vigilant in protecting Jamaica’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The onus is on us as a people to stand up for the rights and protection of our children,” said Michelle McIntosh Harvey, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).
“We condemn all persons who make it their mission to harm our children - especially in such a brutal and heartless manner, and we also call on the community to return to the days of the village protecting and nurturing our children. If you see a child in danger of being harmed, say something, do something.”
Offering condolence to the family, McIntosh Harvey said, “we are especially calling on persons who may know something about the person who killed innocent, litte Danielle to come forward and work with the police, tell them what you know so that we can bring the perpetrators to justice.”