Two St. Ann men have been charged with murder and other crimes in the death of a man whose body was found burnt in his house in Orange Hill, Brown’s Town, St Ann.
Charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, misprision of a felony, and robbery are 27-year-old Rayshawn Rattray otherwise called ‘Shawn’, and 35-year-old Ainstworth Whitter, both labourers of Orange Hill District
They are charged with the death on Sunday, December 4, of a man known as Bulby. Police say they are awaiting forensic evidence to confirm the identity of the deceased.
Police said both men confessed during a caution statement, to robbing a man of an undetermined sum of cash and stabbing him multiple times before setting his house ablaze. The body, that was burnt beyond recognition, was found following cooling down operations.
According to earlier reports, Bulby had received a partner draw for over $100,000 and, on the night in question, was out drinking and returned to Orange Hill later Saturday night into Sunday morning. Hours later, a fire engulfed the house. His charred remains were removed. Initial speculation was that Bulby had fallen asleep with a cigarette and the place caught fire.
However, a post-mortem examination showed the body had stab wounds.
Police said intense investigations by detectives in St. Ann, led to the speedy arrests of Rattray and Whitter, who gave caution statements. They were consequently charged and are awaiting their appearance in court. -30-