Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty in the Murder of Retired Journalist
KINGSTON, Jamaica - A High Court judge has adjourned to May 26, the case in which 24-year-old Travis Ellis, has been charged with the murder of retired journalist Barbara Gayle.
Barbara Gayle (File Photo)Gayle, 77, was found dead at her home in the gated community of Caymanas Country Club Estate in St Catherine on December 17. Her body had multiple stab wounds and a gash to her face.
Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams ordered that Ellis be remanded in custody when the matter came up for hearing at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Friday.
The accused is to be transferred from the Central Village lockup in St Catherine to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, where he is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The prosecution has already indicated that it will seek the death penalty for the accused, arguing that the murder was committed in furtherance of robbery.
The court was told that the case file is not yet completed as several documents are outstanding, including the scene of crime statement, arresting officer’s statement and video recording from the scene of the crime.
Former prime minister PJ Patterson said Gayle’s is a “wake-up call” for the country, and it underscores the urgent need for the nation to reexamine its values and “prioritise those that are life-sustaining”.
Gayle had made her mark as a court reporter with The Gleaner newspaper.