Jamaican Farm Worker Killed in Ontario, Countryman Charged with Murder
Rajay Baker, 28, of Portland, Jamaica, died after an altercation in Norfolk County, Ontario. Fellow Jamaican Shane Bennett, 36, faces second-degree murder charges.
Jamaican seasonal worker dead after altercation on Ontario farm
A 28-year-old Jamaican man has died following an altercation at a farm property in Vanessa, Norfolk County, Ontario, and a fellow Jamaican national has been charged with second-degree murder, ctvnews.ca reports.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were called to a property on Brantford Road 4 shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, following a report of an altercation between two people. Officers found one individual suffering from life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The deceased has been identified as Rajay Baker, 28, of Portland, Jamaica. The accused, Shane Bennett, 36, of Saint Catherine, Jamaica, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to hospital with minor injuries. Bennett has been charged with second-degree murder and remains in custody pending a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on November 3.
Jamaica's Ministry of Labour and Social Security confirmed on Thursday that Baker was a participant in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP). Multiple media outlets in Jamaica reported that both men were in Canada under the same programme, which annually sends thousands of Jamaicans to work on Canadian farms.
Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. issued a statement on behalf of the Jamaican government. "On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Baker," Charles said. "This is a tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult period."
The ministry added that a post-mortem examination is expected in the coming days. The Jamaican Liaison Service in Canada is monitoring developments alongside Canadian authorities.
On Thursday, a single OPP cruiser was visible beside a building cordoned off with police tape at the farm on Brantford Road 4.
"Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues," said OPP Sergeant Ed Sanchuk. The Norfolk County Crime Unit is leading the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in collaboration with the office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. OPP Forensic Identification Services is also assisting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Norfolk County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.
Source: Google News JM — Crime