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📍BRONX, NEW YORK — USA / JAMAICA CONNECTION
A 40-year-old Jamaican mother, Tamara Rowe, was fatally stabbed in her Bronx apartment on Saturday night — leaving her two children in state custody and the diaspora community in shock.
Rowe, a former employee of The Gleaner in Kingston, suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and arm during a domestic dispute. She was found bleeding in her apartment and later died at Montefiore Hospital.
Her children, ages 2 and 11, are now in the care of New York’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). A closed court hearing was held Monday, and efforts are ongoing to place the children with relatives or trusted family friends.
🚨 BOYFRIEND CHARGED WITH MURDER IN DOMESTIC ATTACK
Police have arrested Khaleel Cooper, 39, the man Rowe lived with, and charged him with:
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Murder
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Manslaughter
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Criminal possession of a weapon
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Endangering the welfare of a child
Surveillance footage captured Cooper fleeing the scene, and police confirmed the couple’s youngest child was present during the incident.
🧸 CHILDREN’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
The Jamaican Consulate in New York and nonprofit organizations like Leaf of Life are now working to secure a safe, family-based solution.
“We are making enquiries regarding the welfare of the children affected by this devastating event,” said Consul General Alsion Wilson.
🇯🇲 PORTMORE ROOTS, BRONX REALITY
The couple reportedly lived in Three East Greater Portmore before migrating. Cooper moved to the U.S. first, and Rowe followed with the kids.
“They were cool people… but frustration made things complicated,” shared a Portmore resident who knew the family well.
💬 OUR TAKE: VIOLENCE SHOULDN’T BE THEIR LEGACY
Tamara Rowe is the second Jamaican-born mother to be killed in NYC in two weeks. The emotional toll on the diaspora is mounting.
We must protect our women — not just mourn them when it’s too late.
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Speak out against domestic violence.
Support safe spaces for Caribbean migrants abroad.
Let Tamara Rowe’s name mean more than a headline.