A community mourns and are seeking answers
Dexter Pottinger, known for pushing the boundaries in the fashion industry, was found murdered at his St Andrew home late Thursday evening. The owner of 3D Designs, was found face down in his two-story home and believed to have suffered from multiple wounds, police are still investigating in to what caused these injuries.
Early Wednesday morning, according to The Gleaner, a woman reported screams of “help,” and “murder,” and shortly after a car pulling away from Pottinger's house. The woman raised no alarm, due to not knowing the circumstances of the outbursts.
When police arrived to the scene, late Thursday evening, they found Pottinger's body in his bedroom, decomposed and in a significant amount of blood.
As police investigate, the community is left broken and wanting answers to this tragedy. Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia Grange has sent her condolences to Pottinger's friends and family.
The Minister stated in an recent interview, “I consider Dexter to have been an exceptional artist; his designs were works of art. Dexter styled many of our popular entertainers and helped to set the style trend in Dancehall. We have lost a really talented Jamaican,” said Minister Grange.
Pottinger was praised in the fashion industry for his unique style. When discussing his upcoming collection titled, ‘Free,” just days before the designer was found murdered, he described his creative process stating, “I'm a creative individual, so when I get to work with different clients, I get to experiment. I like to create and mix-and-match, and give the body life in terms of fashion and style.”
Pottinger was an inspiration to many within the entertainment realm. There's no wonder that he was deemed the Face of Pride back in 2016 by the Jamaica Forum of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG). When asked about what he represents through his role, he stated that he wanted to be a message of hope.
“I hope that my participation will show members of J-FLAG that it is okay to come out in an atmosphere where there is no violence, realise that it's your time to be part of the change – not just for the week but permanently as a part of the community,” said Pottinger. “If you look at the world right now, you will see that there is a lot of conflict between races that do not understand each other, but if we just respected and appreciated each other's differences, and loved each other, things would be better. There is no love in the human race now.”
Friends of Pottinger are relaying the same sentiments, as they grieve their loss of their beloved friend. Police are still looking for suspects in the crime, as this story continues to develop.
