There is a sombre mood at St. John’s Primary School in Spanish Town St. Catherine this morning, as students and staff grapple with the tragic loss of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon.

Kelsey, who was a grade three student at the institution was found dead on Friday.

Her partially naked body was discovered upside down inside a barrel at her home in Job Lane, Spanish Town, St.Catherine.

She had been beaten and sexually assaulted.

Staff members wore black today and black flags have also been placed on posts.

The police have launched a manhunt for 39-year-old Giovanni Ellis, otherwise called “Coolie Man,” who has been listed as a person of interest in the case.

This morning, Commanding Officer for St.Catherine North, Senior Superintendent Hopton Nicholson addressed the school population. 

He assured them that the police are doing all they can to bring the perpetrator to justice and send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.

In the meantime, SSP Nicholson urged parents to promptly report any suspicion of child abuse, so the matter can be addressed promptly.