ST JAMES, Jamaica — A murder investigation has been launched into the death of seven-year-old Aiden Rose whose body was found in bushes behind his mother’s house in Bickersteth, St James on Tuesday.

“It has been upgraded to murder based on the ongoing investigations,” revealed acting police chief for the parish, Superintendent Carlos Russell.

He stressed that no one has been charged in connection with the murder investigation. The boy’s mother, Queen-Ann Spence has been slapped with charges of neglect.

READ: Seven-year-old’s death shocks St James community

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The 29-year-old call centre employee was remanded when she appeared in the Family Court on Tuesday evening. Her next court appearance is set for July.

There are also reports that the police are examining the circumstances under which another child, a daughter, died in Spence’s care in 2021. However, Superintendent Russell indicated that he could not comment on the issue.

Aiden, a grade one student of Bickersteth Primary School, was found with what appeared to be wounds to his head and upper body. He was also said to be bleeding from his nose and mouth.

His death has left the community in anguish with residents questioning what could have led to his demise.