FORENSICS TO DETERMINE, AS THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS WOUNDS
Police say their Forensic Department will help determine how 80-year-old Sylvia Barrett died on Wednesday evening, May 1, 2024, in St Ann.
The North Coast Times reported hours after the woman’s death at her home that how she died had not been confirmed. Some reports said she had been shot.
Police told The Times Thursday that there were no visible wounds to her body and that a forensic examination would need to be done. However, police are still classifying the incident as murder and arson.
HORRIFIC MURDER OF ELDERLY WOMAN
Ms Barrett, a vendor and farmer, was found dead in her home in Spring Garden, near Bamboo, St Ann about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
A close relative who lived next door to Mrs Barrett made an alarm after fire was seen coming from the four-bedroom house. The relative called the fire station. In the meantime, neighbours helped to put out the fire before the fire personnel arrived and carried out cooling down operations to the part of the house that was burned.
Ms Barrett’s body was found in the dining room lying on its back with both hands tied above the head with electrical wire and feet tied also with electrical wire. There were also what appeared to be pieces of female clothing over her face and feet.
(She would be 81 on her next birthday, July 26,2024)
Fire personnel and police noticed what appeared to be abrasions or scratches or scorching to her left thigh, left upper arm, and abdomen.
Earlier reports said the house had been entered after a section of grill had been removed.
Investigations are being carried out by Detectives from the St Ann’s Bay CIB.
