The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A MAN died in a hail of bullets outside his late mother’s home yesterday, leaving his family grieving another devastating loss just a year after his mother’s death and three years after losing his father.

Heartbreaking scenes unfolded early yesterday morning on Greenwich Street as Cyril O’Brien’s family members screamed and sobbed behind the police tape where his lifeless body lay.

Some even tried to push past officers to get close.

O’Brien’s sister, Kayla Dorsette, was among them. She told The Tribune she was still in shock over her brother’s killing.

She said her world turned upside down when her aunt called to break the news. Overcome with grief, she screamed before quickly driving to the scene with other family members, praying they would find him alive.

However, their worst fears were confirmed when they arrived and saw his body. My brother died alone in his yard with no one there to hold his hand,” she said. “That is the part that is hurting me the most; he died alone,” Ms Dorsette said.

“No one should have to meet their maker alone. We may not have been able to take him through, but comfort in the final moments would have been good.”

Police said O’Brien, 27, had just arrived home on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) shortly after 3am yesterday when he was approached by an unknown assailant or assailants, who opened fire in his direction.

He was reportedly shot nine times before the gunmen fled in an unknown direction. Sources said he was heading to the laundromat when he was shot.

Recalling the dreadful scene, Ms Dorsette said she and another sister tried to get past the police caution tape, but were held back.

She said she still has moments when she pictures her brother lying helplessly on the ground.

As his older sister, she remembered caring for him when he was a baby.

“I loved him then and love him even more, and there was never a day he didn’t hear it. I always showed up for him. I only wish I could have been there when he took his last breath,” she said.

Police have not disclosed a motive behind the attack, but the grieving sister said she keeps questioning why anyone would want to hurt her brother.

O’Brien had never told the family he feared for his life. In fact, Ms Dorsette described him as quiet, funny, non-problematic, family-oriented and an animal lover.

“My brother like everyone,” she said, “had his fair share of troubles and struggles but we were taught to always stay close to God.”

The Tribune understands O’Brien was recently arrested for possession of a firearm.

His killing came just weeks before he was due to celebrate his 28th birthday on December 4.

His sister said she initially thought his death was related to his asthma rather than gun violence.

Meanwhile, O’Brien’s death has dealt another devastating blow to a family still grieving the loss of his parents.

O’Brien’s father died of a heart attack in 2023, while his mother died of cancer in 2025. Their deaths took an emotional toll on the 27-year-old as he tried to navigate life without them.

His death has also deeply affected his closest friends.

Kent Lightbourne, a close friend of O’Brien, described him as a brother. The two were childhood friends and remained close into adulthood.

Mr Lightbourne said he would often bring O’Brien along when he took on electrical jobs. He also recalled checking on his friend, particularly after the loss of his parents.

During their last conversation, Mr Lightbourne said he had asked O’Brien if he was okay.

He said the killing came as a shock, describing O’Brien as someone who mostly kept to himself and was a good friend.

The shooting brings the country’s murder count to 66, according to The Tribune’s records.

There are no reports of arrests. O’Brien’s family say they want justice and for those responsible to be held accountable.