(Jamaica Gleaner) A six-year-old girl remains critically injured after gunmen invaded her home.

The youngster’s mother was killed while three other persons were also shot.
Dead is Karen Marshall, 42-year-old security guard of Phoenix Park, St Catherine, while those hospitalised are all family members.

The incident occurred about 2 am on Friday in Phoenix Park, along the Dunbeholden main road in St Catherine.

Police reports are that Marshall was at home with the other four when five gunmen came to the premises and knocked on the door.

According to reports, two male occupants tried to prevent the gunmen’s entrance. However, the men sprayed bullets into the door, hitting them.

The criminals then kicked off the door to the house before shooting Marshall and her two children. The older child is 17 years old.
Marshall died on the spot.

Mary Clarke, children’s advocate, said that too many guns were on the streets and there was need for a plan to deal with the problem of accessibility.

“It is very sad what is happening to our children. There used to be a time when the vulnerable would be spared. This has changed. People need to find ways to resolve their differences and at all cost-spare the children,” Clarke said.

Clarke took the time out to wish a speedy recovery to the injured and expressed sadness at the loss of a parent.

The injured were taken to hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Operations Officer for the St Catherine South Division, Deputy Superintendent Clive Blair, said a motive is yet to be established.