Interpersonal violence is the reason for the uptick in killings of women in St James. The St. James police express concern over the increase in killings of women in the parish. In addition, they are linking many of this year’s murders to a pattern of interpersonal violence.
On April 22, an armed man fatally shot Cora Thompson, 38, while she was selling books at the Montego Bay New Testament Church of God.
Seven days later, Melissa Kerry Samnath, 35, was found dead during a birthday trip to Jamaica. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that her death was a homicide.
On May 1, Kadene Beswick, 38, was discovered with multiple stab wounds at her home in Catherine Hall after neighbors reported hearing screams. Then, on May 9, Jassett Blake, 32, was shot and killed near People’s Arcade in Montego Bay.
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Eron Samuels, the St James Police Divisional Commander, expressed his concerns over the disturbing incidents.
“We are extremely concerned with the fact that so many of our incidents of late have involved women. One that we can draw close attention to is the incident involving Melissa Kerry Samnath, the American national who was married to Jamaican, Mr. Dean Watson, who is a person of interest in her murder.”
SSP Eron Samuels.
The senior officer expressed concern over the rising number of homicides resulting from conflicts among acquaintances.
“We are very saddened that many of these incidents are emanating out of interpersonal situations, and we are very appalled that we have so many violent incidents surrounding women.”
Eron Samuels
“In fact, 12 of our murders since the start of the year have been due to interpersonal incidents.”
Samuels stated that investigators have made progress in recent cases, including the murder of Beswick.
He said the suspect involved in Beswick’s killing is in custody awaiting trial for murder
Concerning Melissa Samnath killing, Samuels said the police have made considerable progress in that investigation. And the husband, Mr. Dean Watson, is now a person of interest. He appealed to the public to help the police find Watson. He said the authorities believe Watson keeps moving around between Montego Bay and St Ann.
Samuels urged the public to alert the police when domestic disputes or personal conflicts appear to be escalating.
“We want to appeal to the residents of St James. When you hear about these situations that are interpersonal in nature, maybe domestic violence, maybe just one-on-one persons having their disputes, let us know so that we can intervene to try and avoid any of these incidents evolving into murder,” he said.
Erons Samuels