Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Just three days into the start of the new school year, gunmen have traumatised students and teachers at one of Montego Bay's prominent preparatory schools, by killing a parent in front of his daughter and wife.

The school was forced to close its doors following the daring shooting death of 45-year-old electrical engineer, Leo Harris, of Moy Hall, district, St. James. Harris was ambushed by two men on arrival at the school at approximately 8:05 a.m. yesterday, according to Constabulary Communication Network officer Richam Davis.

Eyewitnesses said Harris, who was driving a Honda CRV, was about to drop off the child when the men opened fire on his vehicle, hitting him several times in the head. He died on the spot.

The men, who were accosted by an off-duty policeman who fired several shots in retaliation, escaped in a white Toyota Corolla motor car.

Implicated in a double murder

Harris' death came while he was implicated in a double murder still before the courts. The case was expected to be heard in the St. James Circuit Court later this month.

His death has left a gloom over the school and teachers and students had to be counselled throughout the morning. This has been the second traumatic experience for the members of the institution since the start of the week.

On Tuesday morning, one of the school's star performers, Melanie Chin - who graduated this summer - and her mother died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident along Alice Eldemire Drive.

"This is just too much, it was just yesterday that we received news about one of our former students and today we are being traumatised further," the school's principal, Ferris Gordon-Wilson, told The Gleaner.

In the meantime, assistant chaplain to the police, Courtney Walters, said his colleagues will do their very best to commiserate with Harris' family.

The school reopens today, specifically for counselling of the teachers and students.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com