Jamaica: Four charged in abduction and killing of mother and child

Kingston, Jamaica –  Police have charged four people, including a United States Navy petty officer, in the abduction and killing of the ten-month-old daughter of the Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell and her mother.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime Fitz Bailey, said that US Navy petty officer Leoda Bradshaw, 34, who also has a child with Paulwell, had been slapped with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of conspiracy to kidnapping, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of murder.

Bailey said that 27-year-old Toshyna Patterson and her daughter Sarayah Paulwell were “brutally murdered” and their bodies disposed of.

The mother and daughter were abducted from their home on Gilmour Drive in St Andrew on September 9.

The police have also charged Roland Balfour, a 30-year-old assistant graphic designer with two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts of conspiracy to kidnapping and misprison of felon, while 29-year-old air condition technician, Roshane Miller, has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts conspiracy to kidnapping, and misprison of felon.

The lawmen have also laid two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts of conspiracy to kidnapping, and two counts of kidnapping charges against 31-year-old Richard Brown, otherwise called “Richie”.

Bailey said the Director of Public Prosecutions has obtained a voluntary bill and the case will be taken directly to the Supreme Court and that the investigations are ongoing.

“It is one of the most painful investigations for the team since recent times. However, the team of investigators continues to be professional and remain focused, “said Bailey, without elaborating.

Earlier this month, during a sitting of Parliament, Paulwell gave an update on the incident, thanked his colleagues and “all of Jamaica” who have reached out to him, with words of encouragement and support. (CMC)

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