HOPEWELL, Hanover — The New Testament Church fraternity was yesterday thrown into mourning following the fatal shooting of 32-year-old clergyman Keaven Dixon of Tryall in Hanover’s Sandy Bay.

Dixon, who had gone to the Hopewell High School to collect a confirmation letter to commence teaching at the educational institution in September, was shot by a gunman posing as a parent.

Dixon was said to be accompanied to the school by his two-year-old son, but who was left in his motor car.

The police said that about 10:30 yesterday morning, the gunman made his way onto the premises and asked for the principal. On advancing to the principal’s office, he started banging loudly on her door. The principal made an alarm and the suspect reportedly ran outside the school gate where he saw Dixon talking on a cellular phone and shot him.

It is believed that the gunman thought Dixon was calling for help.

Dixon, who pastored the Riverside New Testament Church of God — near Sandy Bay — ran a short distance before collapsing.

He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An alleged eyewitness said the suspect arrived at the school gate and asked for directions as he wanted to pick up a package for his child who would be attending the school in September.

As the killing of the pastor’s death spread, residents and members of Dixon’s flock thronged the Sandy Bay Police Station. Among the grief-stricken were Dixon’s widow, Gayle, who cried openly.

Pastor Jeffery Reid said the church fraternity was saddened by the tragedy.

“We are all traumatised. I can tell you that here in Hanover and all over in Jamaica because the calls are coming in from all over the island and they are all expressing their sadness,” he said.