The father of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, whose partially burnt and decomposed body was discovered behind her home in Bailleston, Clarendon, on Monday evening, is now in police custody.
The Old Harbour Police confirmed that 46-year-old Lawrence “Marcus” Sergeant was captured late Friday in the area following a manhunt that began after the disturbing discovery earlier this week.
Shantina, who once attended Excelsior High before transferring to Christiana High School in Manchester, had been reported missing by her father on October 3. Her remains were found three days later among burnt debris behind the house they shared.
Residents reportedly alerted the police after noticing a foul odour and swarms of flies near the premises. When officers arrived, they discovered the teen’s body burnt and in an advanced state of decomposition.
The tragedy has shaken the quiet farming community, with residents expressing outrage and disbelief. “What a wicked act!” said farmer Clevon Messam, describing the killing as one that has “shaken everyone to the core.”
Shantina’s stepmother, Julieth Unis, said she was devastated by the news. She revealed that she had left an abusive relationship with Lawrence a year ago, but stayed in contact because of their young son. She added that Shantina had recently expressed fear of her father, telling a friend she was “afraid to go home.” The teen had begun living with her father earlier this year.
According to Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Police Division, investigators are pursuing multiple leads, including unconfirmed reports of sexual abuse. “We don’t yet have any evidential proof to support that,” he said, “but the father’s capture puts us in a position to move the investigation forward.”
The investigation continues under the Major Investigations Division.
