‘I just want her to come home’, says mom of 15-y-o Old Harbour girl

The Old Harbour High student has not been seen or heard from since, leaving her family and friends gripped by fear and uncertainty. 

“I just want her to come home so I can get some relief,” a distraught McDowell told Old Harbour News. “Then we can talk about what happened and work through whatever the problem was.” 

The family reported Kaycia’s disappearance to the Old Harbour Police on March 31, but the investigation has yet to yield any breakthroughs. McDowell expressed frustration over what she perceives as inadequate support from authorities. 

“We’ve been checking the constabulary’s website since filing the report, but her missing person notice hasn’t been posted,” she said.  The matter has been brought to the attention of ASP Romario Rankin, chief of police in charge of the Old Harbour police subdivision, who subsequently informed that the issue has been resolved. 

McDowell, who works in the United States, described Kaycia as a once-brilliant student whose behavior shifted noticeably over the past 18 months. Though she has not seen her daughter in person for two years, McDowell ensured her essential needs were met while Kaycia lived with a trusted guardian. 

However, since February, the guardian has been frequently hospitalized due to an undisclosed illness, straining the household dynamic. McDowell acknowledged that Kaycia had grown increasingly rebellious, a pattern also seen in her relationship with her father who lives in Bartons, a neighbouring community north of Red Ground. Both parents have been separated for years. 

“She was an outstanding child in primary school, and even up to grades seven and eight, I had no issues,” McDowell recalled. “But in grade nine, her attitude began to change.” 

Just before her disappearance, Kaycia left home for two days but returned, telling her guardian she had been “with a friend in May Pen”. She refused to elaborate, only confirming the friend was female. 

Asked how she has coped since Kaycia went missing, McDowell replied, “It’s very bad. I can’t focus at work. Honestly, sometimes I don’t sleep for an entire week.” 

With hope dwindling but not yet lost, the family continues to appeal for any information that could bring Kaycia home. 

In another update, ASP Rankin said investigation has intensified to locate Kaycia, whose disappearance has some loved ones fearing the worse. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kaycia King should immediate contact the Old Harbour Police Station (876 203 3659); police emergency (119); or the family at 876 476 6518 or 725 252 6221.