Denham Town weeps again - Father of murdered infant laid to rest days after son

Within the span of just two days, residents of Denham Town in Kingston came together in mourning to bid a final farewell.

After laying to rest little Jayce 'Zaza' Pinnock on Thursday, grieving residents reconvened yesterday at the Regent Street Seventh-day Adventist Church to pay their final respects to his father, 31-year-old Kerrio Pinnock. The funerals underscored the harsh reality of the tragedy. On February 21, the toddler was fatally shot by gunmen during a brazen 1:40 a.m. home invasion along Nelson Street. Just two days later, his father, who was injured in the attack, succumbed.

Pinnock, a father of four, was remembered as a father to many. His cousin Karrenna Pinnock said he was a family man who always prioritised the well-being of his children.

"He did it not only for his children but he also had several stepchildren who he loved, cared for and provided for like his own flesh and blood," she said, prompting loud applause and firm responses of "Yes, yes" from the congregation. She further reflected on how multifaceted her cousin, also known as 'Boyu' was.

"As many can attest, Boyu was not only a businessman, he could fix cars, he could fix bicycles, he was an electrician, a plumber - a real mister fix it," she added, her voice breaking.

But Pinnock's sister, Kala Johnson Dixon, emphasised that his greatest joy came from his children.

"In their smiles, you will see his spark. In their laughter, you will hear his spirit," she said.

Pinnock was laid to rest in a blue-and-white glass-top coffin, similar to that of Jayce. The church was packed with mourners spilling into the yard and on the streets. They applauded as they highlighted Pinnock's impact on the wider community.

"His massive heart was also felt in the community, he was a giving hand they could depend on. He always supported his community in anything, even with kiddies treat," his cousin said.

She continued, "Jamaica on a whole felt the love my cousin had, after hurricane Melissa he filled his van with essentials from his shop and with friends as volunteers he drove to Black River to assist with hurricane relief efforts," she shared before breaking down. Recalling their final conversation, she added, "You were never meant to leave like this, not taken, not torn away, you were stolen from our lives.. They call themselves your friends wore smiles, but behind those fake smiles they robbed us of you."

Delivering the sermon, Pastor Adolophus Smith referenced 1 Chronicles 29:15, reminding the congregation of life's fragility.

"It says our days on this Earth are like a shadow," he said. "Some folks die, the young man here is just 31, just start living and he's cut down before his time."

"This serves as a warning to many young people. You need to know and be careful. There will be people who you think are your friends but they might be the very ones to plot your death," he said, encouraging them to turn to God.

Sometime after 3 p.m., Pinnock's body was ushered from the church into a glass carriage, but as the hearse delayed in the churchyard and persons took perhaps a final look, the bottled emotions for many came rushing. The churchyard was now filled with painful screams, tear-stained cheeks and comforting hugs to many children who watched the procession.

Among the mourners was Ladonia Cunningham, Jayce's mother. While she managed to make it through most of the sermon, as they ushered the coffin out, she broke down in tears. Comments from the congregation provided comfort. Cunningham cried as her knees went weak and she was carried out of the churchyard.

Pinnock was interred at the May Pen Cemetery.