THORNTON, St Elizabeth — There was a sombre mood at Aberdeen High School in northern St Elizabeth on Monday, three days after Iyanla Hicks, a HEART/NSTA trainee, was found dead at her family home here.

Hicks, 20, was found dead on Friday evening by a visiting sibling who had to kick open the room door.

Police theorise that Hicks was killed sometime between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Her brother, who is said to be of unsound mind, has been taken into custody as a suspect. The incident is the first recorded murder in St Elizabeth for this year.

Acting principal at Aberbeen High Nelissa Brooks remembered Hicks as “punctual and respectful” during her five months at the school.

“She worked here with us as a HEART trainee. She was very diligent in her duties. She was cordial and she was always supportive in whatever she was asked to do. She started [working here] in August 2024,” said Brooks.

The educator said even the guidance counsellors at the school needed counselling on Monday.

“It was very sad and mournful, but we had support from the region five Guidance Counsellors’ Association and from the global chaplain. We had a devotion and sessions with the staff who were very close to her,” said Brooks.

“She worked closely with the guidance counsellors in record keeping. She assisted with office work. If we are having meetings and we need supervision of the students then we would direct her [to do that],” added Brooks.

Hicks’ death has also left residents of Thornton in grief and shock.

Councillor Audie Myers (People’s National Party, Siloah Division) said he knows Hicks’s family. He described the incident as “unfortunate” and surprising as he pointed to the academic background of the man accused of the killing.

“I know them very good. A matter of fact, when we upgraded the Aberdeen High School and had the first sixth form, he was the first head boy for the school with me there as chairman. The sister, you can’t find a better young lady; when you talk about bright. She had a lot of manners. It is sad, it is a tragedy. It is a sad loss for the community,” said Myers.

The councillor stayed clear of rumours surrounding a possible motive into the death.

“It is out there in the streets, but I have no facts on that so I can’t speak to that. All I can say is, sad to know that the [accused brother] was a brilliant little youth.

“Up to Friday she was at Aberdeen at sports day as one of the officials,” added Myers.

He pointed to the challenges facing the country in treating people suffering from mental illness.

“In this country there are a lot of shortcomings, but I know the mental health teams have tried their best. I see them out there doing their activities across the parish. They have done their best with the limited resources that they have,” he said.

“The mental illness in Jamaica is a challenge right across the length and breadth, because you never know when these people are going to get violent,” he added.