ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É

Nicole Edwards, mother of slain 20-year-old Kaleave Thomas, is speaking out in defence of her late son's girlfriend, Shanna-Kay 'Itsthickiana' Hanson.

The social media personality has come under fire online for their relationship due to their age difference. Itsthickiana is about 15 years older than Thomas.

Edwards, who is five years older than Itsthickiana, is calling for an end to the harassment of her daughter-in-law.

"I have no problem with the age gap between them, so people should leave her alone. Mi get to know her good, good and mi see say she is not a bad person," the mother said.

She further told THE STAR that she only recently met Hanson in person, but immediately got a good impression of her.

"I was not there all the time because he grew with his dad, and we did not really get along, and she was there for him," Edwards said.

Thomas was gunned down on April 27 in Banbury, Linstead, St Catherine. He and Hanson had been together for nearly a year, with Hanson-- a popular social media figure-- often sharing snapshots of their love story online.

Some followers, however, expressed discomfort over their relationship, calling the age gap inappropriate.

"I have no problem with Thickianna whatsoever. The first time I spoke with her was on the phone and it was my son who let me talk to her. Me and her did a plan to meet up, even before him drop out. In fact, is last week mi and him and her suppose to meet. People going to always have negative tings to say about other people, but I am not the type to bring down anyone. She step up and play a good role. I am five years older than Thickianna, so I am way older than her," she said.

Nearly a week after Thomas's death, police reportedly shot and killed a man believed to be a suspect in the case. According to police reports, around 6 a.m. last Saturday, cops in Banbury were allegedly confronted by a man carrying a sub-machine gun. The police returned fire, fatally shooting him.

A loaded firearm and 44 additional rounds of ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene.

Hanson, who also spoke with THE STAR, disclosed that she has since fled Banbury for her safety.

"I am homeless, but someone has offered me somewhere to stay. It's not a nice feeling as I am separated from my children and my daughter is doing CXC this year. I am in need of financial assistance to get back on my feet. I have to be keeping a low profile until the investigation is complete," she said.

"The police said I should evacuate the community so you know mi nago get fi be all over the place and busy body like mi suppose to be. Mi can't get to do mi little promotion and hosting like one time. I can't get to do the things that bring the bread," she explained.