Kevin Ontoneil Smith[1] (? - 25 October 2021)[2] was a Jamaican religious figure who gained international media attention following murders committed at his behest.
Biography[]
Youth and Early Life[]
Smith was born in Glengoffe, St Catherine. He emigrated to Canada in 1993, three months after starting studies at Jamaica College.[1] On 5 November 2007, Smith was convicted in Ontario for the sexual assault of a 21-year-old man. He served six months for the crime.[3]
Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries[]
Smith reportedly began his ministry while still in Canada in 2011.[1] Smith's activities led him to meet with many, including Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.[4]
Death[]
While being transported to Kingston to be charged,[5][6] Smith was killed in a vehicular accident.[7] While one police officer died, Smith's accomplice Ruddock survived the crash.[8] Two days after the crash Smith was charged with murder despite his death.[9] An autopsy confirmed that his death was sustained from blunt force trauma.[10]
The Jamaica Association of Certified Embalmers and Funeral Directors warned its members to protect their property in fear that Smith's followers might attempt to regain his body.[11]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Newsmaker of the Year: Kevin O. Smith - 9 January 2022 - The Gleaner - Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ↑ Pastor Kevin O. Smith Dead Days After Arrested For Two Human Sacrifices In Jamaica - Niko Mann - 26 October 2021 - Newsonyx - Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ↑ Pathways pastor was convicted for sexually assaulting man in Canada - 26 October 2021 - The Gleaner - Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ↑ Kevin O. Smith’s social media footprint - Adrian Frater - 20 October 2021 - The Gleaner - Retrieved 21 March 2022
- ↑ Religious Leader Kevin O. Smith Told Police He’s ‘God Sent’ Before Death - Devi Seitaram - 25 October 2021 - Urban Islandz - Retrieved 31 March 2022
- ↑ Pastor Kevin O. Smith was entitled to due process - DPP - 1 November 2021 - The Gleaner - Retrieved 21 March 2022
- ↑ Kevin O. Smith, Montego Bay Cult Pastor, Dies In Car Crash With Police - Devi Seitaram - 25 October 2021 - Urban Islandz - Retrieved 21 March 2022
- ↑ Lawsuit Being Considered After Alleged Jamaican Cult Leader Dies Mysteriously - Sheri-Kae McLeod - 27 October 2021 - Caribbean News Weekly - Retrieved 21 March 2022
- ↑ Cow saved from Kevin Smith compound possibly pregnant - 19 March 2022 - Jamaica Observer - Retrieved 20 March 2022
- ↑ Autopsy shows Pastor Kevin Smith died from multiple blunt force trauma - 8 November 2021 - Loop News - Retrieved 21 March 2022
- ↑ Watch out, group tells funeral home storing Smith's body - Romardo Lyons - 31 October 2021 - Jamaica Observer - Retrieved 20 March 2022