Tivoli student killed by stray bullet

Friends and relatives of 15-year-old Nevado ‘Teflon’ Maitland are particularly saddened by the slaying of the teen, who was struck in the head by a stray bullet while sitting along Fourth Street after 10 p.m. on Friday. They remember him as a quiet, mild-mannered youngster who didn’t give trouble.

When THE STAR visited the community yesterday, a blanket of grief hung over the community as residents tried to come to grips with the death of the boy who was said to be well- loved by all in the community. A brilliant student who loved to play football and marbles, the teenager was expected to begin 10th grade at Tivoli Gardens High School this week.

Police reports are that Maitland was sitting when a lone gunman walked up and opened gunfire, hitting him in the head. However, his grandmother, Winifred Morris, said the youngster was sitting with a group of family members outside their gate when he met his demise, but said the shot which killed him was not meant for the youngster.

She explained: “A youth left from over there so to shoot a next youth, so when him buss the shot, it come right through di gate. The entire family was at the gate and him sit down on the step with one of his little cousins and the shot fly through di gate, lick on the wall and go straight inna him head,” he said. One of Maitland’s neighbours immediately ran to his assistance, but when he saw the youngster on the ground he knew it was too late. “When mi go out deh and see him, mi have to run go in back. Mi bawl like a baby,” he told THE STAR.

One of Maitland’s aunts said that upon hearing the explosion, she thought the shot was fired in the air. The irony, she explained, is that her nephew would usually be inside his dwelling at that time.

“Teflon was 15, but him still young and act like him about eight or nine years old. Out a all a di pickney dem weh him walk with, him act like a him a di youngest. Him alone you can send go anywhere, di rest a dem a tell yuh say yuh have to pay dem. Him is not a road pickney, him always inside a watch TV, and is because sumpn did a keep why him out the gate with him family dem,” she said.

Principal of Tivoli Gardens High School Marvin Johnson described Maitland as well-behaved.

“He was a very quiet young man who really tried hard. It is unfortunate, and as a school community we don’t want to lose any of our students, so we are indeed praying and bonding as a team. I know the ministry has pledged to send support from the guidance counselling unit, and we will be reaching out to the family to offer our support,” Johnson said.

Head of the West Kingston Police Division, Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps, told our news team that the police are now keeping a close watch on the area and listed a man known as Desroy Walker, otherwise called ‘Shamar’, as a person of interest. He is urged to report to the Denham Town Police Station as soon as possible.

– S.M.L.