Ten-year-old Shenai Coke killed in Troy, Trelawny; suspect chopped dead by residents

A family in Troy, Trelawny is grieving the death of 10-year-old Shenai Coke, whose body was found Tuesday evening after 6 p.m. in nearby bushes with her throat cut. Police are treating the case as rape and murder.

Relatives say the child had been sent by her grandmother to a shop close to home. Instead of returning safely, she was later identified by her family.

The man named as the alleged attacker, Delroy Coke, was set upon by angry residents and chopped repeatedly. His father, who tried to stop the assault, was also badly chopped. Both were taken to hospital, where Delroy Coke was pronounced dead. His father remains in hospital under police guard. Residents say the dead man was a known sex offender in the area and had previously served prison time on several occasions.

Shenai's father, Aston Coke, recalled seeing her on Saturday afternoon when a relative visiting from the United States hosted a treat at the community centre. She stopped by his place, greeted him politely, and said she would show him what she received when she came back.

Family members described her as a warm, curious child who knew neighbours by their full names and had a strong sense of humour. She attended Troy Primary School, worked hard from grade one, earned academic awards, and was encouraged at home whenever she did well.

Her mother was too distraught to speak. An aunt said the family had not slept since learning of the killing and that the loss had left them devastated.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances of Shenai Coke's death as the community mourns a child whose life was cut short.