THE Oberlin High School in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew will soon be doing body searches of students, in its drive to prevent weapons from entering the premises.

This new security measure follows Friday’s fatal stabbing of 15 year-old Grade 10 student, Venice Bowen, by another 15 year-old female student.

“Body searches are being considered. We need to find a way to implement this on the students. Usually we perform spot checks of bags and shoes. But as this young lady had the knife on her person, we have to take this into consideration,” according to principal, Thelma James.

James said the school, known for its excellent record of discipline, was working with the students, teachers and community to get Oberlin away from the stigma of having a murder on campus. “Let me state that Oberlin is not used to this sort of thing. My students and teachers are very shaken. I, myself feel confused when I think about how such a thing could happen.”

The relatives of the slain girl yesterday met with the school principal, but declined to comment on the matter.

At the same time, James said the alleged killer was “emotionally disturbed”, saying that she has been neglected by parents and had refused repeated attempts to be counseled. “This young lady did not live with her parents. Her mother is somewhere in Portmore and her father may be overseas… But definitely the father does not play a role her life. She lives with her grandmother and aunt in Castleton. From the comments of teachers and student, she is deeply hurting and very angry,” said the principal.

Added James: “She gave a great deal of problems in Grade 8 and 9. She was in my office for fights and other problems (with) behaviour a great deal. Her anger was clearly visible. When we sent her to the school’s guidance counsellor, she would say, “Miss, I am all right”. No matter how many times we would send her, it would make no difference because she claimed that she did not need help. However, by the time she went to the 10th grade, she seemed to have turned her life around. Yes, she still gave trouble to her teachers because she did not want to wear her shirt tucked in and would speak disrespectfully to persons in authority. However, she did not commit anything severe enough have to be called into my office. Up to December of 2002, she was second in her class. On ‘Parents Day’ in February of this year, I highlighted her accomplishment in the auditorium in front of the entire school. I spoke of how she changed her ways and even hugged her to big her up.”

The principal was, therefore surprised at last week’s turn of events. “She gave no trouble until recently,” she said.

“On Wednesday, May 21 students were in a language class. Books were given out, but a fuss erupted between the alleged killer and another young lady as to who would get what book. The verbal fuss escalated into a fist fight that the teacher broke up. On the following Monday, May 26, still angry over the incident, the alleged murderer created a song about the fight and declared herself the winner. For that whole week she continued to taunt the students with her song about the fight. On Friday, May 30, students were in their form room during lunch break. Venice was braiding her friend’s hair. The alleged killer approached Venice, as they were friends. Assuming that Venice would support her because of their friendship, she asked Venice who she thought won Wednesday’s fight. Venice stated that it was the other young lady. This enraged the alleged offender and she became aggressive towards Venice. Trying to deflect an on-coming assault, Venice pushed her away. Students said that the alleged killer pulled up her shirt revealing a knife in her skirt waist band. A boy in the classroom, grabbed onto the alleged murderer. She flashed him off (she was a very strong girl) and the knife dropped from her waist onto the floor. Quickly bending down, she grabbed the knife and on the upswing, plunged the knife into Venice’s chest.”

James said that when Venice went down, the alleged offender made her escape.

“We know that her grandmother and aunt have not heard from her. I hope that she will turn herself in. She will be much safer in police custody.”

Lamenting the fact that “violence in society has crept into the school room”, James admitted that Oberlin has had “a hard time with dysfunctional students”.

However, the principal told the Observer that the school was in the process of taking steps to deal with this current tragedy and make preparations to prevent and /or deal with any future shocks. “Right now we have arranged counseling for our students from the Ministry of Education, the UWI (University of the West Indies) and the Institute for Theological and Leadership Development. After the counselling, we will sit down and analyse the situation.”