Haughton

Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

Twenty-five year-old Constable, Michael Haughton, yesterday became the eighth policeman to have been murdered since the start of year when he was cut down by a gunman's bullet at Payne Avenue, Kingston 11, Sunday night.

According to reports from the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), Constable Haughton, who was attached to the Mobile Reserve Division, was on foot patrol with his colleagues in the Payne Avenue area about 9:30 Sunday night when explosions were heard.

Hit in the back

The policemen went to investigate and were fired on by a group of gunmen near the basic school in the community.

Constable Haughton was hit in the back and was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he died about 2:30 Monday morning, shortly after receiving surgery.

Family members and friends yesterday cried openly after receiving news of the death of their loved one who had given five years service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He was described as quiet and hardworking.

Disciplined person

Constable Haughton's cousin, Marcia Hardial told The Gleaner that he was a person who the family depended on for emotional and financial support.

"He is the most disciplined person," she said as she wiped the tears from her swollen, bloodshot eyes. "Him don't make trouble, him no make war, he is just a family person and I just don't know why this happen, why?"

Adolphus Bennette, Constable Haughton's stepfather, said that his stepson was a tenacious young man who helped to send himself to school by selling bag juice.

For the Constable's 16 year-old brother, he has been robbed of a role model.

"Mark was somebody who I could rest upon, who motivates me. Most time him come home he would tell me that the work he was doing was not an easy work and that I should try pass even five CXC six subjects," he said.

He said his brother would also warn him against joining any bad company and that he would ensure he had everything to go to school.

"But now he is gone. Is like I don't have anybody to look up to as a young role model," he said shaking his head.

But the family wants answers. They said they don't understand how he could be shot in the back like that.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Donald Pusey, of the Mobile Reserve Division said that the incident was being investigated.

He said Constable Haughton will be greatly missed.

"He is one of the best of the young lot at Mobile Reserve, one with leadership qualities," he said. "It is a sad loss. I have been through a lot of this, but burying my own is not an easy road. But as long as you are in this organisation, it is something that you will have to face."

Constable Haughton joined the JCF shortly after completing his secondary education at Dinthill Technical High School in St. Catherine.