CLARENDON, Jamaica— Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, has added her voice to the growing list of people condemning the gruesome killing of a mother and her four children in Clarendon.

Kemisha Wright, 31, from Cocoa Piece in the parish and her four children, Kimana Smith, 15; Shemari Smith, 10; Kafana Smith, five; and 23-month-old baby boy Kishaun Henry, were found with their throats slashed this morning.

Police have since named 23-year-old Rushane Barnett otherwise called ‘Jett’ or ‘Nick’, as a person of interest in connection with the killings.

Barnett, believed to be a cousin of the deceased mother, is said to frequent Cocoa Piece, Wilson Run in Trelawny and Papine in St Andrew.

Gordon Harrison described the crimes as “particularly abhorrent and gruesome.”

“I am struck to the core by how vicious and heartless the perpetrators are, especially because vulnerable and harmless children were senselessly robbed of their lives,” she said.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, both immediate and extended, and to members of the community.”

The Children’s Advocate said while she is deeply saddened by the tragedy, she is encouraged by the fact that the police have already been able to name a person of interest.

“I implore anyone who has any information whatsoever, to join hands with the authorities so that justice may prevail,” she said.

The mother and children were found by relatives. Police have not listed a motive for the murders.

David Dunkley