Police link Kadisha McLeod killing in St. Elizabeth to St. Ann suicide

Police are probing a suspected connection between the death of 40-year-old pharmacist Kadisha McLeod and the suicide of 50-year-old licensed firearm holder Maurice Sannell, after two incidents were reported Thursday in separate parishes. McLeod, who was from Mandeville, Manchester, was found dead in Peppers, St. Elizabeth, while Sannell died in Brown's Town, St. Ann.

Investigators say McLeod had been missing since Tuesday. About 9:15 Thursday morning, a farmer travelling along his regular route to his farm in Peppers came upon her body. The report indicated that she had been shot several times. One resident who spoke with the news team said the discovery left him deeply distressed.

Before McLeod's body was found, police in St. Ann had already responded to Sannell's death. They reportedly received a call about 6 a.m. that the licensed firearm holder had taken his own life in Brown's Town. TVJ News reported that police had been seeking Sannell in connection with McLeod's missing person report.

Sources said Sannell, who was originally from Montego Bay, St. James, went to St. Ann on Wednesday after learning that police were looking for him. Investigators believe he was responsible for McLeod's death. Reports also said he sent messages to relatives expressing love for them and indicating that he intended to end his life.

A person living near the Brown's Town scene said the sound of the incident was sudden and frightening. The witness also indicated that Sannell had arrived in the area the previous day.

In Manchester, McLeod's death was raised during Thursday's sitting of the municipal corporation, where concern was expressed about the absence of police representatives. One speaker said councillors had hoped for reassurance about crime in the parish, noting McLeod's discovery in Peppers, another body reportedly found in the Richmond area, and a double murder in Alligator Pond. A prayer was also offered for McLeod's family, community and loved ones.