The St Andrew South Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating the stabbing death of a 54-year-old US citizen, allegedly by her son. The suspect, who is in police custody, was not cooperating and is believed to be of unsound mind. This incident follows the recent murder of another American woman in Jamaica. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed concerns about domestic violence-related crimes and plans to review legislation to address the issue. The St Andrew South police Division has seen a 14% reduction in murders compared to the previous year. jamaica-gleaner.com reported
The St Andrew South Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) is currently investigating the tragic stabbing death of a female United States (US) citizen, believed to have been committed by her own son. The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Marvel Johnson. The incident took place on Wavell Avenue in Kingston 11, where residents reported hearing a loud commotion and pleas for help at around 7:20 a.m. The police were immediately called to the scene and discovered Johnson lying in a pool of blood. She was quickly transported to Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to reliable sources from The Gleaner, the domestic dispute occurred at the residence of a deceased member of the well-known British Crew. The primary suspect, who investigators believe to be the victim’s own child, is currently in police custody. He was apprehended at the crime scene. It has been reported that the accused individual is uncooperative with the authorities. Some residents claim that he has a history of mental instability and was deported to Jamaica.
A resident who witnessed the aftermath of the incident shared, “When the police moved her, she did not appear to be alive, but the doctors had to officially declare her deceased. The young man is her son, and he is a deportee.” Initially, the suspect refused to acknowledge his relationship to the deceased when questioned by the police. The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has confirmed the details of the incident, stating that Johnson was stabbed multiple times, allegedly by her son.
This unfortunate event marks the second time in the past month that an American woman has been murdered in Jamaica. On September 23, Shirnet Hammond was shot and killed while traveling in a taxi after attending a funeral at Meadowrest. The vehicle was targeted by a gunman in the Red Pond area, resulting in Hammond sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to her head and upper body. Caret Rutherford, who is believed to be a hitman, has been charged with her murder and is also under investigation for other homicides, including that of a Chinese national.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently addressed the issue of domestic and intimate partner violence during a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting in North Central Clarendon. He stated that the government is planning a policy shift to address this escalating problem, which is contributing significantly to major crimes. Holness expressed concern over the frequency of such murders, noting that domestic violence-related killings are becoming more prevalent than gang-related ones. As a result, the government intends to review legislation to make reporting on domestic violence mandatory.
It is worth mentioning that the St Andrew South police Division, where this latest American homicide occurred, has seen a 14% reduction in murders compared to the previous year. As of September 30, the division, which had the highest murder rate in Jamaica in 2020 and 2021, recorded 95 murders, 16 fewer than the same period last year. Nationally, there have been a total of 1,038 murders reported up until September 30.
For further information or inquiries about this incident, please contact andre.williams@gleanerjm.com..