KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the capture of the perpetrator(s) of the brutal murder and suspected rape of nine year-old Kelsey Ferrigon in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

At the same time, Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, has vowed that the crime “will not go unpunished,” as police intensify their search for the suspect.

Ferrigon’s partially naked body was discovered upside down in a barrel at her home on Job Lane around 8:00 pm on Friday. Investigators believe she was sexually assaulted before being killed.

In a statement, Chang condemned the killing, calling it an “outrage”. He has directed the Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake to use every available resource to swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

“Let me be very clear, this horrific act of unspeakable violence, where the life of an innocent child, full of promise and potential has been cruelly extinguished, will not go unpunished,” the Minister said.

“The full force of the law will be brought to bear on the perpetrator(s) of this evil, heinous, and cowardly act.”

The statement also urged those responsible to surrender to the police and warned citizens against shielding the suspect.

“I urge those responsible to turn themselves in. To the citizens, I say to you, ‘Do not harbour them.’ The police will leave no stone unturned to capture these criminals,” the Chang added.

In connection with the case, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) have named Giovanni Ellis, otherwise called “Coolie Man,” as a person of interest. Ellis has been asked to report to the Spanish Town Police immediately.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wayne Josephs, head of the CIB, also expressed the aim of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to capture the suspect quickly.

“The brutal assault and murder of Kelsey has sent shockwaves through our entire force and I’m sure throughout Jamaica. We are utilising every single resource at our disposal – our investigators, our forensic teams, our intelligence networks – to relentlessly pursue and apprehend the monster responsible for this act,” said ACP Josephs.

Read: 9-y-o girl murdered in Spanish Town; police name person of interest

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Giovanni Ellis is urged to call the Spanish Town Criminal Investigations Branch at 876-984-2305, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or the police emergency number 119.