Cops kill suspect in murder of 14-y-o US girl in St Thomas

A man believed to be responsible for the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Tianna Sutherland, a US citizen vacationing in Jamaica, was fatally shot by police on Wednesday, July 2.

The Morant Bay Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) report that Tianna was at a relative's home in Blue Mahoe, St Thomas, when she was attacked by an intruder who reportedly entered through an open grill.

During a violent struggle, the teenager was stabbed multiple times. Despite her injuries, she managed to injure her attacker and alert her father by phone.

Tianna's father rushed to the house and found her in the kitchen suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was transported to hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Members of the St Thomas Operational Support Team launched an investigation, which led them to a nearby concrete structure.

A trail of blood led police to bloody clothes, and while inside, they were reportedly confronted by a naked man wielding a machete. Officers reportedly came under attack and opened fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

A search of the premises uncovered Tianna's phone and jewelry, further linking the man to the crime.

His identity has not yet been released.

The incident has been reported to the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) for further review.

Investigations are ongoing.

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