Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams is urging residents to share information with police investigating the brutal attack on three females in Albert Town, Trelawny on Sunday, that left 15-year-old Jamila Cole dead and her 39-year-old mother hospitalised in serious condition.

Jamila’s 17 year-old cousin, who was also attacked in the home invasion, managed to escape and raise an alarm. That was not before Jamila and her mother were viciously assaulted and beaten over their heads. Jamila, who was taken to hospital in an unconscious state, died on Monday. Reports are that she was also sexually assaulted.

Williams said the incident represents another dark chapter in the spate of violent attacks on citizens.

The minister expressed particular sadness at the death of Jamila who was a student at the Troy High School in Trelawny.

In condemning the attack on the family, Williams said no alleged prior dispute or arguments can justify the barbaric and wanton violent attack on the mother and the two girls.

Jamila’s father, Shirley Cole has told the media he believes the attack on the family is linked to a domestic dispute.

“It is heart-rending that at a time when Jamaicans are supposed to be reflecting on our achievements as an independent nation that criminal elements are bent on carrying out devious acts of violence,” Williams said.

“This is another tragic attack on the vulnerable in our society and we must play our part to ensure that the guilty do not go unpunished,” she added while appealing for anyone with information that can assist the police with their investigations to do so quickly.

Meanwhile, the police have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with the home invasion and murder of Jamila.