Dear Editor,

A horror story occurred in a squatter settlement located off the North Coast Highway near the outskirts of Falmouth. The case of Donovan Hazley, who was hacked to death Sunday night by residents of his own community, is especially barbaric. Some have admitted that they knew Hazley did not participate in the demise of the two boys, but a relative of his might know something.

The results of the post-mortem on the boys had not come in yet, so all the barbarism was fuelled by ignorance, a lack of factual information, speculation and a kind of lethargy in the system of justice. The ensuing jungle justice could be predicted as I recall hearing on the news that people were threatening to take matters in their own hands.

Now the post-mortem report has come in, and it says the boys died from drowning; there was no sign of violence on the two youngsters, but further checks are being done.

I take this opportunity as a fellow citizen to express my heartfelt sorrow and condolence to the family and friends of Mr Hazley. This could have happened to any Jamaican who found himself falsely accused in the midst of ignorant people.

The incident is especially sad when you think that we just celebrated 50 years of independence. It would be appropriate to express condolence to Jamaica because the good in many of us is dying rapidly on a daily basis.

Mr Hazley's death must not go unpunished. I hope that justice will be done because a message must be clearly sent that such horrible murders, associated arson and wounding, must not be condoned in any civilised society.

Michael Spence

Liguanea

micspen2@hotmail.com