BOYS HAD DISPUTE OVER DAYS; SCHOOL PLUNGED INTO GRIEF
OCHO RIOS, St Ann; March 5, 2026
A 17-year-old Ocho Rios High School boy is in custody following the death of his schoolmate yesterday. The suspect can not be named or otherwise identified, as he is a minor.
Dead is 18-year-old Devonte Shearer of Tae Street, Ocho Rios, St Ann.
The boy was killed after he was hit on the back of the head with a metal chair at school on Wednesday afternoon. This was the North Coast Times’ first report on the death.
OCHI HIGH STUDENT DIES AFTER ATTACK AT SCHOOL
Reports to the North Coast Times are that the two boys had a dispute stretching over several days and were involved in a fight in Ocho Rios on Tuesday, March 3, 2026
It is not clear what triggered the attack on Wednesday afternoon, but Shearer was standing in his classroom with others when the other boy used a metal chair and hit him over the head. He was knocked unconscious and was bleeding.
Shearer was rushed to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, where he died just before 7 p.m.
The suspect fled the scene but was later taken to the police station in Ocho Rios.
(Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon being greeted after arriving at Ocho Rios High School Thursday morning and, in the photo at right, addressing the press)
The death has stunned and saddened the school community and drew a visit Thursday morning from Minister of Education Dana Morris Dixon and other officials of the Ministry. Custos of St Ann JosephIssa, as well as MP Matthew Samuda were among local dignitaries meeting the Minister and school leaders.
In a statement Wednesday night, the Minister said she was deeply saddened by the death and called it a “heartbreaking loss.”.
“This is a devastating loss for the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the wider school community. The Ministry extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assures them that the Government will provide support during this period of grief.”
