By Makeida Antonio
Police say that a suspect allegedly involved in the wounding of 16-year-old Jerkeem Jackson is now in custody.
In a police statement issued yesterday, the Radio Range resident was taken into custody some time on Saturday and is assisting the police with their investigation.
Jackson’s mother, Karima Joseph, told Observer that she had been informed that the assailant was in police custody and she was “pleased” to learn the news.
“I was made to understand that one of the perpetrators in my son’s attack was captured and detained by police [Saturday] night and that he is presently in police custody assisting police with their investigations. I am very pleased about this and I hope that justice will be served,” Joseph said in an interview yesterday.
Meanwhile, Joseph provided an update on her son’s condition as he continues to receive care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center.
“Jerkeem began to talk immediately after he was extubated in the ICU. His speech is clear, he received physiotherapy at the hospital and he’s still in the hospital on the ward. He is walking on his own and he has regained strength,” she said.
She also has high hopes that her son will make a full recovery.
“He still has some way to go in terms of his speech and walking, but I’m telling you he’s doing fantastic. He has strong willpower and he will get back to normal in time to come,” Joseph remarked.
Jackson was severely beaten and left on the side of All Saints Road a couple weeks ago.
A neighbour’s surveillance camera recorded three boys walking behind Jackson with stones and glass bottles just before the attack.
The neighbour tried to intervene, but efforts to prevent the attack proved futile.
The three boys ran off with Jackson’s phone and money, leaving him at the side of the road with a cracked skull from being hit in the head with a piece of asphalt, as well as kicks to the head and face while he was on the ground.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of this matter.