Manhunt for male accused of raping Church Pen girls

Inspector Morris said the police have identified the suspect but under state law cannot divulge his name given the sensitive nature of the case. 

The victims – said to be nine and 10 years old – were on their way home from school when the alleged incident occurred on May 7 about midday in the Church Pen area. 

Based on preliminary investigation the girls were forced into bushes by the accused man who then performed several sexual acts on them, including intercourse with the older child.

In confirming the incident with Old Harbour News, Inspector Morris said: “We identified the suspect and citizens are cooperating with us. 

“We are trying to apprehend him without incident for him to face his day in court.”

The suspect is facing one count of rape, sexual offence of a child, grievous sexual assault, forcible abduction, unlawful detention with intent to commit sexual intercourse, and unlawful detention with intent to commit grievous sexual assault. 

The disturbing incident presumably took place a couple of days before the chilling discovery of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon, whose body was found in a barrel at home in Job Lane, Spanish Town which is some 12 miles east of Old Harbour.  Ferrigon’s accuser Giovanni Ellis was fatally shot on Monday during a confrontation with the police in Sandy Bay, Clarendon. In light of Ferrigon’s murder, the Government of Jamaica has indicated that a review of the Sexual Offences Act is to be tabled very soon in the House of Representatives where it is anticipated that stricter penalties will be proposed.  

Meantime, Old Harbour News can report that the two sisters, who were sexually abused in Church Pen, have been withdrawn from school and receiving counselling. A source close to the family said the children are not demonstrating any significant signs of trauma at the moment, while adding the “mother is stressed out” over what happen. 

“Usually a di father go for them a school and bring them home,” said the source, “but because school over early him couldn’t get fi go this time and a so this get fi happen to them.

“The kids them a hold up,” added our source. “Them a eat and them sleeping alright so far. But the mother sometimes she just break down and start cry because a wah happen.”

The accused man, said to be about 35 years old, has fled the area but investigators are pursuing strong leads to locate him. 

The victims, Old Harbour News has learned, told investigators that they had no prior encounter with their accuser and it was the first time seeing him on the day of the incident.