The CanJet airliner which Stephen Fray attempted to hijack at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay last month. - file

AT 10:30 p.m. on April 19, Earl Fray says he got troubling news that the man behind the attempted hijack of a CanJet flight at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport was Stephen Fray, the youngest of his three children.

His immediate reaction was shock.

"I thought it was a dream, then I bawled like a baby," Earl Fray told The Gleaner.

Yesterday, Fray Sr was in the Montego Bay Gun Court where his son appeared to answer charges ranging from illegal possession of firearm to robbery with aggravation.

Son holding up

Stephen was charged by police last Thursday, and has been in custody since his ill-fated hijack attempt. His father did not get the opportunity to speak with him, but said he seemed to be holding up well.

"Him don't look too bad, but him still not talking," Earl Fray disclosed. The same cannot be said for Stephen's relatives, especially his mother who lives in Mandeville.

"She's taking it really hard, really hard," said Earl Fray, a 51-year-old divorcee.

Although he is a track and field buff, Earl Fray said Stephen was never big on talking. He became even more withdrawn 18 months ago after he graduated from Montego Bay Community College and was unable to find a job.

"That's the thing I think made him slip into that depression state. Anytime I asked him, 'Stephen, is everything all right?', he just said, 'Yes, Daddy, everything OK'," Earl Fray recalled.

Even though Stephen had become a recluse, there was no hint he would have gone to an airport with a gun, evaded security and held a plane of nearly 200 passengers, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, hostage.

Demanded money

Some passengers reported that Stephen threatened them and crew members. He demanded money and that the plane be flown with him to Cuba.

The passengers were released but Fray held the six-member crew hostage until a police/military squad stormed the aircraft and arrested him.

The Fray family is known for less infamous exploits. They have lived in Montego Bay for many years, where Karl, Earl's father, operated a furniture store on Barnett Street.

Earl followed Karl into commerce, running a health-food store and ice-cream parlour in Montego Bay. Currently, the born-again Christian works in the family's pig-farming business.

A request by Fray's lawyer, George Thomas, that his client undergo comprehensive psychiatric evaluation was granted in court yesterday. Thomas told The Gleaner that a full report on his mental condition is expected in time for Fray's next court date on May 18.