GEORGE’S PLAIN, Westmoreland – The sudden death of 13-year-old Kayshan Enriquez Watson, also known as Prince, has left his family devastated and searching for answers after he was fatally shot, reportedly with an illegal firearm. Meanwhile, police have taken several family members into custody but have yet to locate the weapon.
Kayshan succumbed to his injuries at Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital early Wednesday morning, hours after the shooting occurred at his aunt’s home on Tuesday afternoon.
His father, Radrick Watson, recalled receiving the shocking news while leaving work. “I almost crashed when I heard my son was shot,” he said, explaining that he narrowly avoided an accident due to his distress.
Watson believes the shooting was accidental. Despite having a bullet wound to the head, his son was initially responsive. “I told him to stamp his foot, and he did—more than once,” he recalled.
Adding to the family’s anguish, several relatives, including Watson’s brother, were detained by police. “My brother was coming from work, heard what happened, and rushed to help. Now he’s locked up. I tried to bring him food, but they wouldn’t take it,” Watson lamented.
He also shared concerns about his nephew and his nephew’s girlfriend being taken into custody, leaving three young children at home, including an eight-year-old who now has to care for two younger siblings.
Describing his son as a kind and hardworking boy, Watson said, “He was my friend, my son, my brother—everything. He was never lazy and always willing to help.”
Kayshan, who began attending Little London High School last September, was deeply mourned by his classmates, who needed counseling upon learning of his death.
Guidance counselor Randall Gordon visited the family’s home to offer support, expressing sorrow over the loss. “It’s heartbreaking to lose a young male student, especially in this way—to gun violence,” he said. He noted that Kayshan’s irregular school attendance was likely due to financial difficulties.
Following the tragedy, over 120 police officers and a Jamaica Public Service team conducted an early-morning operation in the area on Thursday. A police source revealed that while efforts focused on locating the missing firearm, illegal electricity connections in the community were also a concern.
“My biggest concern is that the gun was removed after the shooting, and we are actively searching for it,” the officer stated.
Former Frome Division Councillor Rudolph Uter urged residents to cooperate with authorities. “If you know something, speak up. Too often, we see things and remain silent—until tragedy affects us directly,” he said, pledging continued support to the grieving family.
