MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Residents have been left traumatised following a spate of robberies near the southern Manchester and southern St Elizabeth border, with the latest incident resulting in the murder of 15-year-old Vesteroy Sinclair as he attempted to save his mother during a struggle with gunmen Saturday night.

Reports suggest Sinclair, otherwise called Jay, was asleep at his home in Turner Top District (close to the Manchester/ St Elizabeth border) when he was awakened by his screaming mother as armed robbers chased her into the house.

A police report said about 10:00 pm a relative, believed to be Sinclair’s mother, saw a man being robbed at gunpoint and ran. Police said a tussle ensued between the gunmen and the relative. Sinclair went to investigate and was shot dead by one of the gunmen.

Educator Omar Robinson, who is aspiring to represent the People’s National Party in the Alligator Pond Division, said residents are traumatised.“I must categorically state that our people are extremely pensive and traumatised by the spate of events happening in our area. Every form of criminality is plaguing our space — robberies, rape and now another murder,” he said on Sunday.

“This young man was brutally gunned down by gunmen who tried rob his mom; it is sad that this young man with so much potential had to go in this fashion. A talented young man, extremely good on the bicycle,” he added.

Robinson said the New Forest High student was active in his community.

“He wanted me to do a bicycle show just for him to show off his skills,” said Robinson as he described Sinclair as a footballer, having played on community and school teams.

“He was a rounded young man. He [was involved] in the performing arts. He would have gotten medals at JCDC competitions performing for New Forest High School in various art forms. Such a promising young man snuffed out by criminals,” he lamented.

Robinson claimed the Alligator Pond Police Station, which has responsibility for covering the area, is woefully understaffed and under resourced.

“It cannot be business as usual. The powers that be need to implement ways of improving safety and security. We continue to call for more resources at the Alligator Pond Police Station. They still need more personnel and more units,” he said.

Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force show that up to June 26, Manchester recorded 20 murders compared to 13 for the corresponding period last year.