8-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Drive-by In Clarendon

An 8-year-old in Clarendon is a victim of an apparent drive-by shooting. While the police are yet to reveal any potential suspect, it has thrown the community into mourning and a tense calm prevails.

Gunshots replaced the customary ringing sound of church bells on Sunday morning in Content district Clarendon. An early morning football match in York Town, Clarendon abruptly ended when a Toyota pro box pulled up to the playing field and sprayed the area with bullets. The aftermath left two men injured and an 8-year-old dead.

The deceased, 8-year-old Xavier Phillips affectionately called “Ojoe” woke from his slumber to watch a football match to enjoy his last day with his grandmother who took him for the summer holidays.

Xavier’s grandmother said she left her grandson sleeping and went to clean up the church for the morning service.

While cleaning she heard gunshots near her house and became fearful. However, her fear quickly subsided when she remembered her grandson was sleeping. She said nevertheless she left the cleaning and went to check.

The mother of the deceased said he is not only her only child but it was on Sunday morning she was planning to get him but decided to let him attend church with his grandmother. One man who was shot is said to be in critical condition while the other was treated and released. Up to news time, the police have gained no leads into the drive-by.

Councilor for the York Town division Euphel Percel says the lead is out there.

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