The 17-year-old Ocho Rios High School student involved in the violent altercation that led to the death of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer is now facing criminal charges. Reports released on Monday confirmed that the teenager, whose identity has not been made public because he is a minor, has been charged with murder following the deadly incident that took place on March 4.
On the same day, his mother turned him in to the police. Police conducted an investigation that included statements from eyewitnesses who reportedly saw the incident unfold. The statements attested to the teen’s involvement in the school fight and his violent actions that led to Devonie being struck in the head, which killed him. Detectives formally charged the 17-year-old with murder on March 5 while his parent was present.
St. Ann Police reported that the charge stems from an altercation between the two students at Ocho Rios High School during the afternoon hours. Investigators say the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, during which the accused teen allegedly used a metal chair to strike Shearer in the head, sending Shearer to the hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries.
He is expected to appear before the Family Court on March 18, where the matter will begin to move through the judicial process. Meanwhile, the tragic incident has left Shearer’s family devastated as they struggle to cope with the loss of the teenager. Devonie had only recently moved to live with his father and stepmother in Buckfield, Ocho Rios, after spending much of his life with his mother in a rural community in Hanover Parish.
The relocation happened last year so he could attend school in the area. According to his stepmother, Devonie had been eager to attend school in Ocho Rios for years and was thrilled when the transfer finally happened. Family members described Devonie as a determined young man who took his education seriously and had big plans for his future.
His father recalled that the teenager enjoyed going to school and often returned home excited to talk about what he had learned during the day. According to him, Devonie frequently spoke about wanting to succeed so he could one day help support his mother and younger sister.