Father of slain schoolgirl charged with her murder

In a shocking turn of events, Lawrence Sergeant, the father of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, has been formally charged with her murder. The grim discovery of Shantina’s charred remains behind their family home in Baillieston, Clarendon, on October 6, has now led to a harrowing legal case. Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, conclusively identified the remains as those of the young girl, prompting detectives to charge Sergeant on Wednesday. Police investigators believe Shantina was struck with a blunt object before her body was discarded behind the residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed that her death resulted from blunt force trauma. Sergeant, who was questioned weeks ago in the presence of his attorney, was arrested in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, just four days after the discovery. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sergeant is also facing a separate charge of grievous sexual assault, stemming from allegations that he molested a six-year-old child several years ago. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about safety and justice.