Jamaican Mother Fatally Stabbed in Bronx Apartment — Two Children Now in State Care

Bronx, New York — Tragedy has rocked the Jamaican diaspora in New York following the brutal stabbing death of 40-year-old Tamara Rowe, a Jamaican national, who was found inside her East 232nd Street apartment in the Bronx on Saturday night.

The incident, reportedly stemming from a domestic dispute, has left Rowe’s two young children — ages 11 and 2 — in state custody under the care of the New York Administration of Children Services (ACS).

Efforts are currently underway to have the children placed with relatives or a close family friend, but no official outcome was disclosed following a closed-door court hearing held on Monday.

The Jamaican Consulate in New York confirmed it is actively involved in the matter. Consul General Alsion Wilson said in a statement that the office is committed to ensuring the welfare of the children, noting that support is being coordinated with social services and potential guardians.

The non-profit organisation Leaf of Life and the Riverdale Children’s Theatre have also joined forces with the consulate to facilitate the children’s relocation to a stable and familiar environment.

Meanwhile, the New York Police Department’s 47th Precinct is probing the circumstances surrounding Rowe’s killing. According to reports, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at approximately 8:35 p.m. and found Rowe with stab wounds to her chest and arm, bleeding heavily.

She was rushed to Montefiore Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Rowe’s boyfriend — with whom she shared the apartment — fleeing the scene shortly after the incident. A motive has not yet been confirmed, and no arrest has been announced.

Rowe previously worked in the credit department at The Gleaner’s North Street office before migrating to the United States. At the time of her death, she was employed at a local restaurant in her Bronx community.

The couple previously lived in Three East, Greater Portmore, before relocating to the US. A friend from their Jamaican community shared that recent immigration frustrations and financial hardship may have contributed to escalating tensions.

Rowe’s death follows closely on the heels of another tragic loss within the diaspora. Tamika Powell, 36, was shot in the head by a masked gunman near Barclays Center in Brooklyn just last week. Powell also leaves behind two daughters.

As investigations into both killings continue, the Jamaican community at home and abroad mourns two lives violently cut short.