Jamaica: Former PNP MP Jolyan Silvera charged with murder of wife

Jamaica: The former People's National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament, Jolyan Silvera, was reportedly taken into custody in relation to the murder of his wife Melissa. The police officials took Silvera on Thursday, nearly a week after his wife was laid to rest. It is to be noted that Melissa was found dead in the couple's Stony Hill, St Andrew, home on November 10, 2023, in mysterious conditions.

Clean March, the Senior Superintendent of Police, confirmed that Silvera was picked by the MID and was charged with the murder following questioning on Friday.

As per the reports, the preliminary findings reported that Melissa, aged 42, passed away in her sleep.

The autopsy disclosed that she was shot at least three times and was also injured around her lower abdomen and leg. Following this report, her family members were shocked, leading the police officials to conduct an investigation.

The Deputy Police Commissioner of Crime and Portfolio, Fitz Bailey, said that the news went public last month, after which Silvera's attorney urged the public not to jump to conclusions.

Bailey outlined, "After the autopsy report, it was disclosed that Mrs Silvera had not died from natural causes but as a result of possible gunshot injuries. As a result, the police elevated the investigation into a murder investigation."

Investigators have been working to put the pieces together since. After returning to the crime scene, the bed she died on was changed, the walls painted, and the tiles were replaced. Silvera's gun was also seized for ballistic testing, and he was previously questioned, but his attorney stated that he wasn't a suspect at the time.

Melissa and Jolyan Silvera tied the knot in 2015 and have three boys. The female was laid to rest on Friday, and her funeral took place at the St Andrew Parish Church.

Silvera was seated in the front row of the church with the three boys. At one point, he was seen crying while holding the youngest in his arms.

[caption id="attachment_66667" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Silver with his youngest boy at the funeral[/caption]