The tragic murder of 40-year-old Jamaican woman Tamara Rowe in her Bronx apartment on Saturday night has left her two young children in limbo as authorities work to determine their future care.
Rowe’s children, aged 11 and two, are currently in the custody of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). Family members and close friends are now seeking to have the children released from state care and placed in a familiar, supportive environment.
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A court hearing on the children’s welfare was reportedly held on Monday, but details remain sealed due to the minors’ age.
The Jamaican Consulate in New York has confirmed its involvement in the case. “In accordance with our duty of care to Jamaican nationals abroad, we are making inquiries regarding the welfare of the children affected by this devastating event,” Consul General Alsion Wilson said in a statement. She added that the consulate is prepared to provide full support, including coordination with social services and family members, to ensure the children’s best interest is prioritized.
The consulate is also working closely with local law enforcement to monitor the investigation into Rowe’s death and has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Jamaican non-profit organization Leaf of Life is collaborating with the consulate and the Riverdale Children’s Theatre to assist the children. Jennifer Chalmers, head of Leaf of Life, emphasized that the immediate goal is to secure their release from ACS and place them with family or close family friends.
Police reports indicate that Rowe was fatally stabbed inside her apartment on East 232nd Street in the Wakefield section of the Bronx around 8:35 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities believe her death was the result of a domestic dispute.
According to media outlet News 12, surveillance footage reportedly shows Rowe’s boyfriend fleeing the apartment around the time of the incident. Police from the 47th Precinct said Rowe sustained stab wounds to her chest and right arm and was found covered in blood. She was rushed to Montefiore Hospital, where she later died.
The police have yet to disclose a motive, and no arrests have been announced. The case remains under active investigation.
Meanwhile, the Jamaican community in New York is rallying to support the children and ensure their long-term well-being following this devastating loss.
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Rowe worked for a time in the credit department at The Gleaner’s North Street, Kingston offices before migrating to the United States. Residents of her Bronx, New York community said that at the time of her death, she was working at a restaurant in the area.
The couple lived in Three East Greater Portmore before they migrated to the US.
“We are in shock. Can’t believe the news we got Sunday … . Heard from him (suspect) last week … . It appears that frustration made things complicated,” a resident of their Portmore community, who knew both well, told the local newspaper. “True the papers thing, him nah really work and everything just went south. They were cool people. He migrated first and she went up with the children afterwards.”
Rowe is the second Jamaica-born woman to die violently in New York City within the past weeks.
Tamika Powell, 36 years old, was killed in Brooklyn within the vicinity of the Barclay’s Center last Wednesday when she was shot in the head by a lone masked gunman.
Powell leaves two daughters, ages 11 and 13 years old. In that case no arrest has been made.
