From The Gleaner

Simon Blanchard, a 60-year-old returning resident, was stabbed to death just outside his gate in Retreat, Trelawny, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to police reports, a neighbour discovered Blanchard’s body lying in a pool of blood at around 5 a.m., and immediately alerted the authorities.

The incident has stunned the usually quiet community, where Blanchard was known as a dedicated and generous contributor to neighbourhood development.

“We are shocked and saddened. He was a stalwart in the community. All the street signs were made from Blanchard’s commitment to his community. He would drive around and fix the potholes. He will surely be missed,” said a resident who requested anonymity.

No motive has yet been established.

Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, who is in charge of the Trelawny Police Division, confirmed that Blanchard’s murder brings to seven the number of homicides recorded in the parish since the start of 2025.

– Leon Jackson

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at [email protected] or [email protected].

For more on this story go to: The Gleaner