Man killed just hours before his 55th birthday

Yesterday, Kirk Francis would have celebrated his 55th birthday, and those who knew him said chances are, he would have spent the day with his loved ones or at a football match.

When THE STAR visited West Street where he resided, the roadway was filled with residents and loud music blasted from a speaker box, but the mood was extremely sombre. Instead of celebrating Francis' 'earthstrong', members of the gathering were all in tears mourning his death. Francis was shot to death on Monday evening along the corner of Tower Street and West Street.

According to police reports, about 7:10 p.m., residents heard explosions in the vicinity of Tower Street and West Street and alerted the police. Upon the lawmen's arrival, Francis was seen lying in a pool of blood. He was transported to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. No motive has yet been established for the killing. Francis was described by a relative as a hard-working and kindhearted individual.

"His children and grandchild were his world. He was a breadwinner for his family. He worked in the sales field and him have lots of links, so during Christmas and back-to-school time, him would give out vouchers. Him love him kids and him and dem very close. This man was no wrongdoer," the relative said. As a plethora of tribute and 'mourning' songs were played, some persons drowned their sorrows in smoking or sips of alcoholic beverages. Francis' partner wept uncontrollably. Other family members were also tearful.

"Kirk a father. How dem fi do dis to mi pickney dem? Dem take away mi breadwinner. Tell mi a wah God because mi baby father don't even walk with knife. I just want to know why," his partner wailed. With the grief being just too much to bear, the woman and another relative were rushed to hospital after fainting.