Jouvaughnie Byfield, junior shadow minister of citizen security and productivity, has condemned the brutal killing of 16-year-old Carson Bennett, a grade-10 student of Grange Hill High School in Westmoreland on Thursday, April 25.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time. No student should ever have to fear for their safety while pursuing an education, and it is utterly unacceptable that such violence has touched our school community,” he said.

“Violence should have no place in our society, and we strongly condemn this heinous shooting incident. I am calling upon the authorities to swiftly investigate the matter, bring the perpetrators to justice, and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all students in our community.”

Reports are that Bennett and a female student were leaving an event at the school when they were attacked by gunmen travelling on a motorcycle. Bennett died while the female has been hospitalised.

The shooting incident is reportedly linked to ongoing gang violence in the Grange Hill community, with Bennett being the target.

Byfield said he is appalled and deeply saddened by the recent attack on the students. He is urging anyone with information regarding the incident to share it with the police in their investigation.