KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke, whose partially nude body was discovered with her throat slashed along a dirt track in bushes in the Tyre district near Troy, Trelawny.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency described the tragedy as a painful reminder that too many of Jamaica’s children continue to fall victim to horrific acts of violence perpetrated by adults who should be protecting them.

The CPFSA stressed that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment where they are protected, valued and allowed to realise their full potential.