Family shaken by murder of Portland woman

When 30-year-old Kerry-Ann Hunter left her home at Norwich district in Portland on Friday night to attend a party, little did anyone know that it was the last time she would be seen alive.

The body of the unemployed Guinep Tree Lane resident was found with the throat slashed at Lyda on Saturday.

"This is quite shocking and we never expected anything like this to happen to her," Ruel Bogle, stepfather of the deceased, told THE STAR.

"She was a friendly person, who was very quiet. Wi caan understand who coulda waan fi kill har. Smaddy like she nuh deserve dis and anyone weh commit such a vicious act should be punished. Everybody a Guinep Tree Lane shock and is just pure bawling and mourning. She nuh deserve dis," Bogle said.

Hunter, who was affectionately called Chubby, was last seen by friends at a party at an informal settlement called Viadock , which is located along the railway line in Norwich.

"Kerry-Ann left here Friday evening to attend a party down the lane. She was a party-going person and love to dance. That was the last time I saw her. It is really a sad period for the family. Her children are taking it real hard. Is like seh di entire Guinep Tree residents are in shock over her killing," the stepfather said.

Received a phone call

Hunter leaves behind three children - a 16-year-old girl and two boys, ages 12 and nine.

A friend of the deceased said Hunter received a phone call from after 8:30 p.m. on Friday. After that call she said that she would soon be back.

"When she did not return, I sent her a WhatsApp message, but although she got the message, she did not reply. I tried to call her about 2 a.m. (Saturday), but the call went straight to voicemail. When mi hear say dem find a body up a Lyda and a she, mi start to cry. Mi and har good, and she nuh deserve dis," the friend said.

The police are yet to identify suspects or establish a motive for the killing. Portland, one of Jamaica's most peaceful parishes, has now recorded two murders since the start of the year.