The mother of the 4-year-old who was shot and killed during a New Year’s Day police operation claims her home came under attack by St James soldiers. The grieving mother, Nambia McFarlane, shared the full account of what she alleges happened when her son, Romain Bowman, was struck by bullets inside his home in Brown’s Lane, Granville.
Romain was among several others who were shot on January 1, when police and military conducted a joint operation in the community. Two men were killed, and others, including an elderly woman, survived with injuries.
According to McFarlane, her son was in bed at the time of the incident. Speaking amid a protest by residents, McFarlane recounted that she came bolting out of the house screaming to alert the officers that a child was inside, but her pleas were ignored.
“Mi bawl out say, ‘Baby in the house!’ I open my door and then say, ‘Go suck your mother and galang back in!’” McFarlane said.
She claimed that further shots were fired, striking her son. The mother indicated that the child sustained multiple shots and expressed that he would have survived had the lawmen ceased fire when the initial alert was made. She also insisted there were no gunmen inside her home and said she was prevented from immediately taking her injured child outside.
Romain later died while undergoing treatment. During the incident, a 68-year-old woman was injured and had to be treated at the hospital. Police also shot and killed two men who they say initiated the shooting, prompting officers to return fire.
Following the incident, Romain’s family received condolences from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Authorities released a statement expressing regret over the loss of life and ensuring that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident would be conducted. The statement noted that they are also currently working to identify the names of the men killed in the alleged shootout, which ended with police reportedly recovering an AK-47 at the scene.
According to the JCF, the alleged confrontation unfolded when security forces received information about explosions and gunfire in the community. The police have not yet verified if the explosions were illegal gun salutes linked to the start of the new year.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Peter Salkey also extended condolences to the families impacted by the shooting and confirmed the ongoing investigation. Salkey also urged residents to cooperate with investigators.
After the shooting, angry demonstrators blocked roads using old furniture and appliances while chanting and waving placards condemning the actions of the security forces. Resident Clarissa Anderson shared accounts of bullets entering her home and flying over her head while she slept.
Another resident grieving the loss of a loved one said one of the men killed in the shooting was his son. The resident identified himself as Prince and said his son’s name is Kevon Martinez. He rejected claims that his son was involved in a violent confrontation, insisting the young man was on his way to visit his girlfriend at the time. Prince acknowledged that his son was not without flaws but maintained he was not a hardened criminal deserving of such a fate.
Additionally, Councillor Michael Troupe, who represents the Granville Division, described the incident as a devastating way to begin the new year. He pressed for an immediate, open investigation into the incident and said the officers and soldiers who took part should be taken off active street duties until the investigations are completed.