Suspect's house burnt in Troy after arrest linked to mob killing

Tension in Troy, Trelawny flared again when arsonists set fire to the house of Delroy Coke, the man residents accuse of raping and killing 10-year-old Shanai Coke, hours after police detained a community member over Coke's mob killing.

The blaze followed a Thursday protest against that arrest. The burnt-out dwelling, where Coke had lived with his father, was left a shell. Residents say the man taken into custody is innocent and want him freed, arguing the authorities failed the community — especially Shanai.

Community members described the detained man, known as Max, as a farmer and peacemaker who leaves for his farm before dawn and often returns late. They reject any link between him and the mob attack.

Others voiced fury at the alleged killer's past in the area, saying he had returned from prison only to harass neighbours again. "You couldn't have a man like that in the community," one resident said.

Reports say Coke's dog was killed in the overnight arson and a shop on the property was looted. His father, wounded in the earlier mob assault, remains in hospital. Sources say the father's partner fled the community hours before the fire. It is not clear who carried out the attack.

Warsop police declined to comment. Residents say calm is unlikely to return soon.

"This is so bad because the little girl don't deserve it," one resident said. "One mother cry, all mother cry."