A man is dead and his son seriously injured following a gruesome acid attack at their St Andrew home earlier this week. The woman accused of carrying out the attack believed to be the deceased man’s girlfriend, is now in police custody.
The incident took place on Tuesday, June 10, at a residence on Verbena Avenue, just off Waltham Park Road. According to police reports, the woman entered the home and poured a corrosive substance over 40-year-old Christopher Clarke and his son.
The acid attack reportedly came after a domestic altercation between Clarke and the suspect. Neighbours quickly intervened and rushed both victims to the hospital.
Clarke, a sales representative, and his child both sustained severe burns to multiple areas of their bodies. The boy, who is now being treated at Kingston Public Hospital, suffered burns to his chest, face, and left eye. His condition remains serious.
Clarke died the following day from his injuries. Superintendent Mark Harris, head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody.
While she has not yet been formally charged, investigators are anticipating charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. She may face additional charges after the completion of the autopsy.
The case has stirred strong reactions online. Some commenters expressed sorrow and disbelief. Among the commenters, a number of people demanded justice for the victims and condemned the woman’s actions. Persons showed concern for the hospitalised child, whose age was not disclosed. Others focused on the impact on the child, with one commenter saying, “That poor baby might lose his sight. Lock her up, no excuse for harming a child.”
The incident has also triggered broader conversations about double standards and domestic violence. One user expressed that domestic violence cases that involve male victims do not receive as much attention or reaction as cases with female victims.