A 19-year-old reportedly stabbed his father around 30 times during a violent altercation in St Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon. The attack occurred in the community of Mountainside at the home the teenager shared with his 53-year-old father, Gary Allwood, a farmer. Allwood died at the scene, while his son has since been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
Reports indicate that the incident unfolded sometime after 1 p.m. following a dispute between the two. It is understood that the argument stemmed from Allwood urging his son to take medication that had recently been prescribed. The teen is said to have been dealing with mental health challenges and had undergone medical consultations in recent weeks, including receiving treatment aimed at managing his condition.
The teenager was reportedly using a pair of scissors before the confrontation turned violent. In the ensuing altercation, he allegedly used the object to attack his father before arming himself with a knife and continuing the assault.
The disturbance drew the attention of nearby residents, who rushed to the home after hearing that something was wrong. On arrival, they reportedly found Allwood lying motionless in the kitchen area, surrounded by blood. The discovery left many in the small farming community stunned.
A resident described the scene as “very disturbing” when they discovered the father covered in blood and motionless on the floor. Community members also noted that he had been exhibiting behavioural changes in recent times and had been receiving treatment, including injections.
It is also understood that the young man had applied to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force and recently undergone testing. However, he switched from being hopeful to visibly frustrated after not seeing progress. Residents believe this may have contributed to growing tension between him and his father. They say the teen sometimes blamed his father for not securing a position in the force.
Allwood has been described by those who knew him as a humble and hardworking man who was devoted to his family. His death has left the community in mourning.
Police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
