The quiet group of Retreat was jolted awake Thursday morning after a returning resident, 60-year-old Simon Blanchard, was discovered stabbed to loss of life simply exterior his gate.
In accordance with police stories, a neighbour stumbled upon Blanchard’s physique mendacity in a pool of blood round 5:00 a.m. and alerted authorities. Investigators haven’t but established a motive for the killing.
Blanchard, described by residents as a beneficiant and hands-on group member, had been deeply concerned in native improvement efforts.
“We’re shocked and saddened. He was a stalwart in the neighborhood,” stated one resident who requested to not be named. “All the road indicators have been produced from Blanchard’s dedication. He would drive round and repair the potholes. He will certainly be missed.”
Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, head of the Trelawny Police Division, confirmed that Blanchard’s loss of life is the seventh recorded murder within the parish for the reason that begin of 2025.
His homicide has raised renewed considerations in regards to the security of returning residents.
“That is heartbreaking,” stated Carol Thompson, a Jamaican dwelling in Florida who had been planning to maneuver again residence later this 12 months. “We wish to come again and contribute to our communities, identical to Mr. Blanchard did. However issues like this make you pause. Security needs to be a precedence.”
In an identical case final 12 months, another returning Jamaican was killed at her residence in Ocho Rios.
Again in 2022, Senior Superintendent Wayne Joseph, head of the Westmoreland Police, had moved to reassure members of the diaspora, stating that Jamaica stays secure for returning residents and that victims are sometimes focused by people they know personally.
