On Friday, police turned their focus to the Manchester home of 12-year-old Jayden Smith, after weeks of intense public speculation surrounding the boy’s disappearance.
Offices assigned to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialized Operations conducted an extensive search at the residence in Wales, Newport. The search to find any trace of the Manchester High student also included the canine unit, the missing persons desk, and local police.
Reports say that Jayden’s guardians, Ann-Marie and Omar Thompson, welcomed the operation. The couple have been expressing distress over the swirling rumours surrounding the boy’s disappearance. Many social media users have been pointing fingers at the family, claiming that they are hiding information linked to the boy’s mysterious disappearance. Some even accuse them of sinister things, which they have denied.
“The negativity that persons are sending… is like persons supposed to understand when you are grieving or you are under stress, don’t try to say something to make the situation worse,” said Ann-Marie.
Ann-Marie, who has cared for Jayden since he was five, described raising him as one of her proudest responsibilities. She said she ensured he was enrolled in school, immunised, and had all his official documents prepared. Under her care, Jayden flourished academically, becoming valedictorian and top student at Bethabara Primary School.
She believes his disappearance may have been linked to a recent incident involving her two-year-old grandson, who sustained a minor pelvic injury while playing with Jayden the day before he went missing. “Accidents do happen,” she said quietly, adding that she only told him to “be more careful when playing with the baby” in response to the incident.
Following the incident, Jayden attended school on Friday but did not return home. Despite multiple tips, none have led to his whereabouts. The family has also endured false reports and prank calls, which have added to their distress.
Firefighters, police officers, teachers, and community members have since joined forces to search nearby areas, including Perth Estate and Perth Drive. District Officer Fitzroy Donaldson of the Jamaica Fire Brigade confirmed that several locations were checked but yielded no results.
At Manchester High, Principal Jasford Gabriel said students and staff are deeply affected, but they remain hopeful. He shared that the students have been leaving his desk untouched, believing he would walk back into class.