Pregnant mother, children chopped to death

The Ministry of Education has condemned the murder of two children and their mother yesterday in Dickson Wharf in Green Island, Hanover.

Education, Youth and Information Senator Ruel Reid said that the grisly killings have left him in shock and he is deeply troubled by the reports.

Reports are that 38-year-old Abanique Cunningham, the mother of eight-year-old Jayanna Coote and four-year-old Shanique Coote, went with the kids to their father's house at about 7 o'clock yesterday morning to get them ready for school as is the norm.

THE STAR understands that an argument developed between the estranged couple over who is the father of the woman's unborn child. It is said that Cunningham was eight months pregnant.

Residents reported that the 61-year-old man was later seen in the yard chasing the pregnant woman with a machete.

He reportedly chopped her several times and then turned the weapon on his young children, inflicting several wounds.

The man was accosted by residents and later handed over to the Hanover police.

TOP PERFORMER

Vaccianna Moseley, principal of Green Island Primary School where Jayanna was a grade two student, said that she was a very bright and polite child.

He said that even though she was quiet, she was one of the top performing students at the school, having graduated from the neighbouring Green Island Basic School.

According to Moseley, Jayanna's classmates are heartbroken and the scene in the classroom was devastating as staff members have also been visibly shaken by the news.

THE STAR gathered that a trauma team was sent to both Green Island Primary and Basic schools, following the death of the two students.

Andrea Myrie, the principal at Green Island Basic School, where Shanique was a student, said that the child was also brilliant, noting that she had a zeal for learning.