In a tragic incident that shook the Collins community in 2020, Jareth Jamala John, a 25-year-old man, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of his 94-year-old grandfather, Murrington Alston John. The crime, committed during a psychotic episode, has left the family divided in their perceptions of the defendant. During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Kingstown, Justice Rickie Burnett referenced a social inquiry report that revealed starkly contrasting accounts of Jareth from his mother, Ivy John, and his unnamed brother. Ivy described her son as loving and helpful, emphasizing his close bond with his grandfather. She attributed his violent outburst to mental health issues exacerbated by marijuana use, which began at age 13. In contrast, Jareth’s brother painted a darker picture, alleging that the defendant had a history of violent behavior that instilled fear in the household. The brother claimed he had repeatedly urged their mother to seek mental health evaluations for Jareth, but she refused. The court also noted that Ivy had pre-existing mental health challenges. Jareth’s mental health reports indicated that his marijuana addiction, which he vowed never to quit, played a significant role in triggering his psychotic episodes. Despite his guilty plea and a reduced sentence due to diminished responsibility, the case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and substance abuse.
Relatives paint contrasting pictures of man who killed his grandfather
