The horrifying murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon has triggered national outrage, with Jamaicans calling for urgent reforms to protect children and ensure swift justice. Kelsey Ferrigon  was found dead in a barrel at her home in Spanish Town, with her remains showing signs of sexual assault and physical abuse. The man named a person of interest, 30-year-old Giovannie Ellis — who was on bail for child cruelty — was shot and killed by the police during an operation in Sandy Bay, Clarendon. 

Person of interest killed in police operation

GIOVANNIE ELLIS, the 30-yearold man who was listed as a person of interest for the murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon, was fatally shot by the police in Sandy Bay, Clarendon, during an operation on Monday.

Ferrigon was found dead inside a barrel at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town, St Catherine, partially nude and bearing signs of physical abuse.

The police believe she was sexually assaulted.

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

Ellis, alias‘coolie Man’, who was out on bail on a charge of cruelty to a child, was being sought since the discovery of girl’s body last Friday night.

According to the police, about 11 a.m. on Monday, a team from the St Catherine North Proactive Investigations Unit went to premises in Rose Hall district in Sandy Bay in search of Ellis, who the police had asked to report to them by 5 p.m. last Saturday.

On their arrival, an alleged confrontation ensued between Ellis and the police, during which he was shot.

A firearm was reportedly retrieved from the scene.

The police said Ellis was transported to the May Pen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The police said the matter has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

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