Heart shattered again - Woman says Jahmar Farquharson’s death brings back pain of son’s death

The controversial killing of a young man in Clarendon last week has reopened painful wounds for a Westmoreland mother still grappling with the loss of her own son two years ago.

Jahmar 'Alex' Farquharson, 22, was shot and killed at his home under circumstances that have sparked national debate. Ingrid Grandison, whose son Shane Grandison was fatally shot by police in Red Ground, Westmoreland, two years ago, says Farquharson's death has intensified the grief she has been trying to heal.

"When I look at Jahmar, he was almost as small as my son, they were near in age, and it just brings back so much," she told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Police reports state that sometime after 3 p.m. on September 15, officers went to a southern Clarendon residence searching for a firearm. According to the authorities, the operation was disrupted when Farquharson allegedly pulled a gun and was shot.

Yet, CCTV footage from the house appears to tell a different story, showing a young man opening the door for lawmen moments before he was killed. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) confirmed that none of the 23 officers involved were wearing body-worn cameras, and noted that Farquharson was not named on the search warrant for the premises.

The incident has ignited outrage across the island, reigniting calls for mandatory body cameras during police operations.

Grandison has encouraged Farquharson's family to pursue a private autopsy and added her voice to the growing chorus demanding accountability. "Why weren't the police wearing body cameras?" she questioned.

Shane Grandison was 25 at the time of his death. He had paused his studies at the University of Technology, Jamaica, to assist his father in their business.

His mother describes living in constant turmoil since the tragedy, often experiencing panic attacks at the mere sight of police officers.

"I am so paranoid, and there are times when I see them and I have to stop my van and I start shaking and crying. A lot of times I have to call one of my drivers to come and get me. I am so close to having a stroke before, and the panic attacks are frequent," she shared.

Shane was shot 21 times during a confrontation with police, who reported that he and another man were killed after a suspected armed encounter. The authorities say they received information that a man with dreadlocks was seen brandishing a firearm and so launched an investigation. A police team intercepted a vehicle matching the description, and an armed man allegedly exited, leading to a shootout. He fled into nearby bushes, while the driver and passenger -- later identified as Shane and another man -- were shot, rushed to the hospital, and pronounced dead on arrival.

In June, Grandison learned that INDECOM had recommended no charges against the officers involved. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that her son was killed in cold blood, and says the ordeal has severely affected her and her remaining son.

"My health has been deteriorating and my [other] son is not in the best of mindset because he has been hurting so bad," she said. "I am worried about him. I have nothing living for, really. I don't know what I am doing or where I am going, and I try to live my life as best as possible, but I hide myself from the public."

Through it all, Grandison clings to her faith. "God is the god of justice and vengeance and He is my refuge and strength, and I believe in due time He will pay everyone according to their work. He will give us justice," she added.