Manchester councillors condemn mob killing
MANDEVILLE, Manchester – On Thursday, the day that 62-year-old Chieftin Campbell had planned to marry his fiancé at a resort in Trelawny, councillors in Manchester were mourning his “gruesome” and “barbaric” death after he was mobbed in this south-central town a week ago.
Campbell, who was described as a well-respected citizen and dedicated community member of Victoria Town in southern Manchester, died after a beaten by a mob on lower Manchester Road in what police theorise was a case of mistaken identity.
Two people have so far been identified on the national closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system, Jamaicaeye, as being involved in his killing.
During a meeting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation on Thursday, Councillor Claudia MorantBaker (Porus Division, Jamaica Labour Party) questioned the events that happened mid-afternoon on May 6 as she reflected on Campbell’s service to his community.
“His demise has impacted a community and his family in a negative way. Today (Thursday) should have been his wedding…. [We] all want to know why didn’t you take [him] to the police station? Why didn’t someone say stop? Why didn’t someone just listen to give him the opportunity to defend or explain himself?” Morant-baker questioned.
“You stole from us a decent man. A man who believes in volunteerism. A humble soul. A role model. An honest man,” she added while sending a message to the people who beat Campbell.
“Based upon someone who cried wolf, you were quick to fire a blow, you didn’t stop to use other methods…you could have prevented an innocent death. I hope you are doing a self-search. I hope you decide to visit the police station and make a report, because that is what will make a difference,” added Morant-baker
Head of the Manchester police Superintendent Lloyd Darby said investigators are enhancing footage from Jamaicaeye to identify more people who were involved in the incident.
“It is really an embarrassment to any semblance of public order and civility,” said Darby as he reiterated his appeal for people who witnessed the incident and videotaped it to come forward and