The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A YOUNG man who spent his 21st birthday fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed in Yellow Elder Gardens has died, leaving his mother devastated and demanding justice.

Edvardo Munroe died on Friday, nearly a week after the October 30 attack that left him in critical condition. Police said he was stabbed during an encounter on Graham Drive shortly before 5pm and was taken to a station by a friend before being rushed to hospital.

Officers said the two men had been speaking with one man when another, known to them by name, attacked and stabbed Mr Munroe.

His mother, Ireka Smith, told The Tribune her son suffered complications from his injuries. “My child went through a lot,” she said. “He didn’t deserve that.”

Ms Smith said her son was her only child and described him as a strong, loving young man who loved cars and boats and was pursuing his dream of becoming a mechanic.

She said she is frustrated that police have not yet arrested the suspect. “We all know this guy, we know his whole family and he knows ours,” she said. “I still don’t have a clear understanding of why he attacked my child but I know that my son and his brother were friends.”

“From Thursday when this happened the police never spoke to me. On Friday when the hospital called me in to tell me my child heart had stopped for good, I got a call from the Grove Station saying that they had transported him to the hospital and this is now a CID case.”

“Everything surrounding my son’s murder is still unclear to me. No one in their family reached out. So I’m assuming they’re hiding him. I just want justice for my baby, he was all I ever had in this world, my life will never be the same without him.”

Ms Smith said doctors told her Edvardo had lost a large amount of blood before reaching the hospital, prompting a public appeal for donations. Supporters provided more than 20 pints, but she said he received only four.

Police said investigations into the fatal stabbing are continuing.