Police have taken one person into custody as investigations continue into the killing of 64-year-old domestic helper Hyacinth Rose Johnson, also known as “June,” of Union district in Grantham, near Frankfield, Clarendon.
The development came as residents, dressed in red and black and carrying placards, marched through the community on Monday in a solemn show of grief and solidarity while calling for justice.
The march underscored the shock and grief that have gripped the normally quiet farming community following Johnson’s brutal killing.
According to police reports, Johnson’s body was discovered behind her home at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Responding officers found her lying face down with stab wounds to the chest.
Residents became concerned after Johnson failed to attend her regular prayer meeting the previous Tuesday. They later checked on her and made the grim discovery.
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Brown told residents that two people had initially been taken into custody during the investigation but were later released after detectives found insufficient evidence linking them to the crime.
He said another individual has since been taken into custody as the investigation progresses. Brown also urged residents not to assume guilt simply because someone has been detained and encouraged them to allow investigators to complete their work.
Councillor Stephen Williams described the killing as deeply disturbing, noting that Union is a peaceful community unaccustomed to such acts of violence.
He called on residents to unite, support the police investigation and work together to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is being urged to contact the May Pen Criminal Investigations Branch at 876-832-2077, call 119, or report to the nearest police station.
64-year-old Woman Found Partially Nude and Stabbed to Death at Clarendon Home
