ST CATHERINE, Jamaica- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang along with Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson and representatives of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Chaplaincy Unit visited the family of Danielle Rowe on Sunday to show support following the death of the eight-year-old in hospital.

Danielle was abducted from school in Portmore, St Catherine last Thursday, and was later thrown from a car with her throat slashed in Vineyard, St Andrew. Passersby reportedly found the girl and took her to the hospital where she was undergoing treatment before succumbing to her injuries on Saturday.

READ: 8-y-o who was abducted, throat slashed has died

Minister Chang stated that “all elements of the police” are involved in tracking down those responsible for the young girl’s death, while describing the incident as “a tragedy but an extreme act of brutality”.

“All the investigative teams are on and taking advantage of all the technology that is available to ensure we can find the perpetrator, and we will not rest until we can find and bring them to justice and bring closure to the issue which will help the family at least get through this painful time,” Dr Chang said.

In a release on Saturday, the police stated that a cross-divisional investigation has been launched between the St Andrew Central and St Catherine South police divisions. They reported that several lines of inquiry into the events that lead to Danielle’s death are being followed.

It was also revealed that Danielle is the daughter of a serving member of the JCF.

READ: Police launch cross-divisional investigation following death of 8-y-O student

During the visit to the family’s home in Portmore, St Catherine, Dr Chang gave assurances that professional counselling will be provided for the family, especially to Danielle’s siblings who are ages 16 and four.

“We will ensure that there will not be only this short visit but in the medium term the kind of professional counselling which will be required for the family will be provided. I think elements of the [JCF] chaplaincy service will be going to the school and working with the school,” Dr Chang said.

He continued: “We are going to work and do whatever is required to give support and find the perpetrator.”