Guidance counsellor had long row with relative over house, threatened several time
Special to the North Coast Times
The brutal murder of the senior guidance counsellor at Orcabessa Primary School, in St Mary, disrupted classes at the institution last Friday, September 5, as the entire school community was plunged into mourning.
Fifty-two year old Ena Murphy Barrette was brutally murdered by gunmen as she returned home in Galina, from church about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4. The woman had only just driven into her yard and exited the vehicle to close the gate when gunmen pounced.
Mrs Barrette was reportedly shot four times. North Coast Times was told that Mrs Barrette was shot three times in the back and once in the head. She was killed instantly. Residents of the usually quiet area in Galina where she lived for about five years called police after hearing loud explosions.
When the police arrived, Mrs Barrette’s body was found sprawled inside the yard near the gate. One section of the grilled gate was still open. The engine of her Rav 4 motor vehicle, which she had moments ago driven into the yard, was still running. The vehicle lights were still on. It did not appear the killers took anything from Mrs Barrette or from the car or house.
ONE ARRESTED
Her killers escaped in a waiting motorcar which was parked on the main road a few meters from where the killing took place. One neighbor said he saw the two strange men lurking in the street but did not make much of them.
Police have since taken one man into custody for questioning in relation to the brutal murder of the woman who was loved by many. A source told the North Coast Times that the man in custody is a relative of the woman. However, the superintendent of police for the parish Dean Johnson said he could not confirm this.
The Times also learnt that the murder of the woman could have been a contract killing. Our investigations reveal that Mrs Barrette, who only a week ago returned from the US where she had gone to spend time with her husband and other relatives, was involved in an ongoing dispute with a relative over a house.
The house is said to be owned by Mrs Barrette’s mother. The relative, The Times understands, has been trying to take over the house and that there have been frequent quarrels between her and the relative. We were told that the situation became so grave that the woman sought residence elsewhere and rented a premises in Galina, leaving the house locked up.
The matter was reportedly brought to the court for a resolution and Mrs Barrette, the North Coast Times was told, won the case. Our investigation also revealed that on numerous occasions the woman was threatened by the relative. Some say some of the threats were publicly made.
Our source said the relative became even more bitter after the court case.
AT SCHOOL
As news of the brutal murder spread, students, teachers and parents at Oracabessa Primary who turned up for school Friday morning wept uncontrollably. The mood was very sombre. Pieces of black cloth hung around the school yard and told a sad tale. Her picture was printed and posted across the school. The office she once occupied remained closed Friday.
Majority of the teaching staff were dressed in black. Their faces told a story of anger and grief. Some wept openly, other huddled in small groups talking among themselves, tears streaming down their faces. The death of Mrs Barrette, who has been at the school for close to 20 years was devastating. She was a classroom teacher, but was appointed guidance counsellor about 16 years ago. She was in charge of grades one to three.
Teachers were traumatized. Classes were not held and those who turned up for school were sent home early afternoon after counselling sessions were held with them.
“No, no this is not real, it can’t be, a can’t Murphy dem kill, oh God, no!” Said one teacher who cried openly as she was being consoled by a colleague. “I wasn’t at school yesterday, so I didn’t get to see her, oh God,” she wailed.
Students too were impacted. At least one child, a female, was observed by the North Coast Times being carried away for medical checks after she collapsed on hearing that her guidance counsellor was killed.
Several other students, particularly the older students, had to be consoled as many wept uncontrollably.
The Ministry of Education trauma team, as well as guidance counsellors a from neighbouing schools, the police, pastors and a medical team from the Port Maria hospital turned up at the school early to offer support.
Children were encouraged to expressed their feelings in writing or art. Many wrote kind words of the beloved teacher and said they would miss her dearly.
One teacher described Mrs Barrette as one of the best human being she knew.
“She was such a kind and loving person, very supportive, I can’t believe this has happened,” the female teacher said.
Councillor for the area, Bruce Farrell said the untimely and tragic death of such a humble human being will have far reaching impact, particularly on students and parents, who looked to her daily for support.
He said she was a very kind and loving Christian woman who loved everyone.
NICE PERSON
Mr Farrell said the police should leave no stones unturned until her killer is, or killers are, brought to justice.
One parent, Janice Bailey said it was only on Tuesday she spoke to Mrs Barrette who enquired of her and another parent if their children had everything for school. “She was such a nice woman, always looking out for the children, she was so kind and loving, she didn’t deserve that death,” the parent said.
Principal of the school, Hopeton Gordon, said the school had lost a very strong member of staff who was always campaigning for the children.
“It is just a time a time of grief and mourning,” he said.
The Port Maria police are investigating.
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