Suspect in death of elderly sisters released

Both were found dead on November 2, 2021 inside their Spring Village home with their throats slashed.

Days later several men in the shaken community were taken into custody following a pre-dawn raid, as the police sought an early breakthrough in a horrific murder that rocked the entire country and Jamaicans overseas.

Among those held, one was said to be the main suspect.

SSP Christopher Phillips, head of the St Catherine South Police Division, told residents at a protest march on November 18 that detectives were pinning their hopes on the forensic findings still pending at the time which will enable them to make an arrest.

Speaking to residents SSP Phillips said at the time one person “is still in custody where we are banking heavily on the forensic evidence and what that can bring for us.”

More than a week later it will appear that the police are nowhere near cracking the high profile case, as the main suspect was released. In the community its being alleged that the forensic findings failed to link the suspect to the crime, leaving the police with no choice but to release him.

The case is being handled by the Major Investigation Division (MID). When contacted by Old Harbour News, the MID’s head Supt. Paul Thomas referred us to the constabulary’s communication unit (CCU). However, we were unable to get a comment from Supt. Stephanie Lindsay, who is in charge of the CCU.

Since his release, the man once fingered as the main suspect has fled the community, Old Harbour News has been reliably informed. It is said that he left the community out of fear after receiving death threats.

Christine Lewis, 69, is retired teacher and popular community figure who served as a justice of the peace. Her elder sister Lola, 73, was physically and mentally challenged.

The police theorised that robbery was the motive for their death.