Man killed by mob at party

A 42-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by an angry mob in Manchester last Saturday.

The deceased, Richard Boswell, was reportedly chased and beaten, and subsequently collapsed in a potato field in Shirehampton district. His death follows that of Cheiftin Campbell, who, in May, was killed after he was mistakenly identified as a thief. Taxi operator Orlando Powell has since been charged.

Reports are that at 10:30 a.m., residents stumbled upon Boswell's body in a potato field and called the police. The police responded and Boswell was seen with blood on his face. The scene was processed and the body removed to the morgue. Boswell's father Lloyd said that his son allegedly got involved in an altercation with other patrons at a party in the community, and was accused of using stones to inflict wounds to at least two people. Lloyd said he was told his son was then chased into a yard by a group of people who beat him to death. Lloyd said his son was no saint but did not deserve such a tragic demise. He is now seeking answers. Several residents said Boswell was a "troublemaker" who barely got along with neighbours.

"When I went there [the crime scene] I saw where the [police] jeep run through the potato hill to get his body. That's how I realise where he was when dem kill him, an' mi go an' ask dem a who an' who do it an' dem sey mi nuh fi ask dem nutten," he said. Custos for Manchester, Garfield Green, cited the killing as a call for concern.

"I do hope that the police will move quickly on this and other cases and pass it through the courts so justice can be served," Green said. "This type of behaviour is a demonstration of how cruel and insensitive some people can be, instead of feeling and showing sympathy to others. We all need to learn how to better manage our anger, and not yield to peer or community pressure." Green is imploring citizens to resolve conflicts amicably and legally, stating that the Government creates opportunities for citizens to settle differences without physical confrontations.

"There is mediation and restorative justice that can help all of us, no matter what the offences are, and regardless of sex, age or status, we must use them," he said. "I am encouraging all of us to make use of these medium, when necessary."