Leoda Bradshaw and co-accused in murder of Paulwell's daughter and her mother denied bail

Leoda Bradshaw and two of alleged accomplices, implicated in the murder of politician Phillip Paulwell's 10-month-old daughter, Sarayah, and her mother, Toshyna Patterson, 27, were denied bail this morning when they appeared in the Home Circuit Court.

Bradshaw, who shares a child with Paulwell, her cousin Roland Balfour and alleged trigger man David Smith, were all denied bail by Justice Tara Carr.

No application was made for the fourth defendant Bjorn Black.

The judge in handing down her decision said she considered the prevalence of the offences, the use of the firearm, that it was a prohibited weapon and also that it was a contract killing.

In denying Bradshaw's reuest, Justice Carr said the statements provided suggest that the navy officer has enough resources and connections in the United States that would provide reasonable grounds why she would not surrender to custody if granted bail, as well as possible interference with the Crown witnesses.

Regarding Smith, the judges had concerns that he might be a flight risk if given bail, and in considering the alleged roles played by both him and Balfour, they had concerns about their interference with witnesses and their family members.

In the meantime, the prosecution advised the court that the only outstanding material was a Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division (CFCD) report, which was expected to be completed by the end of the day.

Consequently, a plea and case management hearing date was fixed for April 3 2025.

All accused were remanded.

The infant and her mother were reportedly abducted from their home on Gilmour Drive in St Andrew on September 9 last year.

They were allegedly taken to east Kingston where they were fatally shot and bodies burnt.

The alleged mastermind, United States Navy petty officer Bradshaw, is Paulwell's companion.

Bradshaw is accused of contacting hitmen, contracting her cousin Balfour, and orchestrating a plan to kidnap and murder the mother and child. 

She reportedly travelled to Jamaica with the sole purpose of murdering Paulwell's infant daughter and her mother.

This happened one day after she had confronted Patterson about the infant on Facebook.

Two other men, Richard Brown and Roshane Miller, previously pleaded guilty to the crime and were both sentenced. 

Bradshaw is being represented by attorneys-at-law Deborah Martin, QC, and Kelly Hamilton.

Attorneys-at-law Tamika Harris and Sasha-Kay Shaw are defending Bjorn Black, while attorneys-at-law Franklyn Grenyion and Shamar Hanson are representing Smith.

Attorneys-at-law Michael Howell and Vanessa Taylor are appearing for Balfour.

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