The 13-year-old girl who was chopped several times during a recent rape attempt sustained about seven gashes to her head and hands. Due to the severity of her injuries, her family fears she might not make a full recovery. The latest updates say her condition is critical, and her wounded hands are sparking deep concern among relatives. However, she responded well to her family when they visited her at the hospital. Her brother also confirmed that while she is weak, she spoke to them during the visit.
Brandon Hibberts, the young girl’s brother, explained that he heard his sister and the attacker arguing earlier that day. He said he was not sure if they had a relationship, but he heard that they were travelling together on a bike. He said after they arrived, a dispute unfolded. Preliminary reports say the girl was being forced to enter a house to be sexually assaulted, and she resisted. This led to her attacker repeatedly chopping her and then running away. However, the suspect was reportedly apprehended by the police.
The family, who lives in Coolie Town, White Hall, just outside of Negril, is shaken. Brandon described his sister as bright and full of potential, saying she was set to start eighth grade in September. “She is a very talented young individual. She has a bright future in front of her,” he said, adding that no one expected her to experience such an ordeal.
The man accused of harming the teen is said to be from a different section of the community called Marl Hole. The Jamaica Observer reported that when a reporter visited Marl Hole, the residents there were mostly silent, and some claimed not to know much about the suspect. They also said he was not originally from the area.
Community members have since shown support, especially for the girl’s mother, who is a single parent. One resident, Ms. Mitchell, indicated that residents have blamed the victim’s mother for situations involving her children. However, the latest incident has led to an outpouring of support, with residents saying the mother did her best.
According to the Jamaica Observer report, the girl had previously left home. Her mother pleaded with her to return, but she did not. She only returned home when the police were alerted and got involved. Her brother reflected on her being distant from her family, saying, “If she interacted more with her family, then maybe this would not have reached her.”
Meanwhile, the suspect remains in custody, and the teen’s brother is hopeful that he will serve time if he is found guilty. However, residents are calling for a more severe punishment than jail time.