Investigators say they have identified several individuals who may be linked to the killing of four-year-old Saniyah Obrien and the wounding of her father. The update was shared by Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester police, during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation. Although he confirmed that investigators now know of people who could help solve the case, their identities have not been made public.
“We have identified some persons who we believe can help us,” he said, according to a report from the Jamaica Star. Duncan explained that investigators believe they are making significant progress in the case, which has caused widespread concern across Jamaica because of the young child’s death.
A few days earlier, the child and her father were in Land Settlement, near Royal Flat, when they came under attack. Gunmen reportedly fired at the vehicle they were travelling in. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds; the child was later pronounced dead, while her father was taken to the hospital for treatment.
During the meeting, Duncan also indicated that investigators do not believe the child was the intended target. A Monday report from the Jamaica Observer, citing a senior police source, suggested the incident may be connected to criminal elements operating overseas.
He encouraged members of the public to seek peaceful ways to settle disputes rather than resorting to violence. Duncan also called on those responsible, as well as anyone involved in the incident, to turn themselves in, noting that investigators are determined to bring those responsible into custody. He stressed that the police have gathered intelligence and will continue pursuing the matter until it is resolved.
Including the murder of the girl, there have been 6 females killed this week across different parishes. Most of the victims were fatally shot, while one was chopped to death. This has heightened concerns about violence against women and children.