Mummified Remains: Police Charged Two Westmoreland Women. Detectives in Westmoreland, Jamaica, have charged two suspects with several felonies. These charges are related to the discovery of the mummified remains of 69-year-old Viola Destin. Police found the remains in the Old Hope district of Little London on July 6, 2025.
The authorities identified the accused as Lavern Wedderburn, 49, of Rocky Hill in Sheffield, Westmoreland. And Gena Robinson, 54, from the Old Hope District.
Investigators have charged the accused with concealment of a corpse and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse. They also charged them with perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to conceal a corpse. The police also accused the women of conspiracy to prevent the lawful burial of a corpse.
According to the Savanna-la-Mar police, Wedderburn reportedly saw Destin begging in Savanna-la-Mar sometime in 2023. She later told Robinson about Destin’s dire situation.
As a result, Robinson and Wedderburn sought advice from a pastor abroad. They followed his guidance and began to care for Destin.
Within a short time, Destin became gravely ill. So, Robinson later moved Destin to her house in the Old Hope district, where she died on December 10, 2023.
The police allege that after Destin died, the caregivers opted to conceal the body inside a room at the house. Then they sprinkled it with chemicals and baking soda to keep the stench down.
On July 6, one of Robinson’s relatives reportedly stumbled upon the makeshift grave at Robinson’s house and summoned the police.
Upon arrival, the police found the mummified remains of Destin covered beneath sheets, plastic, and tarpaulin.
Investigators launched an investigation, processed the scene, and transported the mummified remains to the morgue pending a post-mortem.
Meanwhile, the police placed Robinson into custody pending further investigations.
Three days later, detectives arrested Wedderburn.
The police charged both women on Tuesday, July 15, after they gave caution statements confessing to the crimes.
The police have yet to decide on a court date for the accused.