Shanique Samuels, Star Writer
More than 200 students from the Kilsyth Primary and Infant School in Grantham, Clarendon, had to be sent home on Monday morning following a shooting incident on the compound.
Several students were sent scampering shortly after 8 a.m., following loud explosions. The body of the female crossing warden was later found lying in a pool of blood under the principal's office window. It had several gunshot wounds.
She was identified as 32-year-old Natalie Gayle.
Acting Principal Elaine Thomas described her as a sociable and caring individual who was always willing.
"She was somebody who always look out for the children and make sure they get in the buses in the evenings and sometimes she would even pay their fares to get home. That is how much she cared for them", said the visibly shaken headmistress.
Support for the school has been pouring in from the Ministry of Education as well as the Principal Association of Region Six. A trauma team and several grief counsellors have also been dispatched to the school. The chairman of the school board was also present to give support.
The principal said the GSAT students will be adversely affected and a decision will be taken after a meeting with the school and ministry officials today, as to what measures will be taken in resettling the students.
Since school was suspended today the students and teachers will begin receiving grief counselling on Tuesday.
Gayle had been working at the school for two years.
Meanwhile, the black Honda Civic car which was used in the drive-by shooting was abandoned several miles in bushes in an area called Peckham.
According to one of the senior investigating officers, the police received a call that the car was abandoned in bushes and the four men fled.
They are currently trying to find the owner and whether or not the vehicle was rented or stolen.
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