DNA evidence links man to alleged murder of 59-y-o teacher

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with the alleged murder of 59-year-old Angella Hamilton, a teacher of Pear Tree Grove, St Mary, in January.

Charged is Delroy Palmer, also of Pear Tree Grove, St Mary.

Police reports say that Hamilton was last seen leaving for work on January 10. At about 3:05 p.m. on January 11, a friend discovered her body inside her home. The police were summoned, and on their arrival, Hamilton was seen with several stab wounds.

The scene was processed by the Area Two Scenes of Crime Unit of the newly established Forensic Services Branch.

Three suspects, including Palmer, were taken into custody.

Analysis of DNA evidence conducted at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine revealed a match between Palmer and forensic materials collected from the crime scene. He was subsequently charged on Sunday.

Palmer is to appear in court on Thursday, August 7.

Head of the FSB, Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Brown, thanked members of the Area Two Scenes of Crime Unit and the Forensic Lab for their diligent efforts, which were crucial in helping investigators to effect the arrest and charge of Palmer.

"This case emphasizes the critical role that modern forensic science plays in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice," said SSP Brown. "Our team's diligent work, from the processing of the scene to advanced DNA analysis, was instrumental in this outcome. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support our investigators and ensure a higher rate of conviction," he added.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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