Leon Bradshaw murder trial advances as police charge suspect in 2016 Greenwich Farm killing

Defence counsel for Leon Bradshaw, the woman accused of orchestrating the 2023 abduction and killings of ten-month-old Saroya Paulwell and her mother Tashana Patterson, pressed for essential case files at a trial-readiness hearing Wednesday in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston.

Attorney-at-law Deborah Martin told reporters that three people are now before the court in the matter. To mount a proper defence, her team wrote to the Crown last week requesting disclosure on several items. Martin said police records sought by the defence have been received, while material held by a Crown witness is still being procured. The defence also wants records from court proceedings involving other witnesses whose credibility may be tested at trial.

Martin noted that three individuals gave caution statements to police about their involvement and have pleaded guilty. She said it remains unclear whether all three will testify, though notices were received about guilty pleaders taking part in the trial.

On June 11, Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson indicated the case would go to trial after disagreement with Bradshaw's legal team over her alleged role. Bradshaw had signalled an intention to plead guilty to non-capital murder, but the DPP did not accept the proposed deal. A notice was served indicating Bradshaw would seek a Newton hearing—a procedure used when a defendant pleads guilty but disputes the prosecution's version of the facts, leaving a judge to determine what happened for sentencing purposes.

Martin said her client wants to address her role in the abduction and killings because she rejects the Crown's account. She added that trial issues remain and the matter could proceed this year if all parties are ready. Bradshaw is scheduled to return to court on September 17.

In a separate development, detectives from the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged 39-year-old Andre Anderson, also known as Prince of 7th Street in Greenwich Farm, with the 2016 murder of 62-year-old Junior Russell, also of 7th Street.

Police reports state that around 5:15 p.m. on July 28, 2016, Russell and Anderson were involved in a dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation. Anderson allegedly stabbed Russell with a knife and fled. Russell was taken to hospital, where he later died. Investigators say Anderson left the community for several years before intelligence-led policing led to his arrest during a CIB operation on June 12.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Keith Dunbarrett, crime officer for the St. Andrew South Division, praised the investigative work. "The Jamaica Constabulary Force is relentless in their investigations, regardless if time has passed. Time does not erase the crimes," he said.

An 84-year-old Spanish Town landlord who admitted throwing hot water on a tenant during a dispute is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm. Albert Thomas of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, appeared before acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson Gayle on June 23 and is due back for sentencing on July 21, 2026.

During the hearing, Thomas admitted to the attack. "Your honor, he threw dirty water on me a week before, so I had the water and threw it on him," he told the court. The judge ordered a social inquiry report and raised concern about Thomas's physical condition, noting he appeared severely bent forward and needed family support in court. Judge Nelson Gayle also addressed compensation sought by the complainant, stating: "I realize that the complainant is seeking $800,000, but the medical report does not support that. The complainant has suffered pains and will need money, so that it must be available when next you appear."

Allegations are that on April 21, 2026, a dispute between Thomas and the complainant at the man's home led to hot water being thrown, burning the tenant's right hand and leg. The injured man received hospital treatment before Thomas was charged and later admitted the offence.

Police from the St. Andrew Central Division have charged 51-year-old Jason Benjamin of Arnett Crescent, Kingston 11 with simple larceny and malicious destruction of property following an incident on Arden Road on April 12. Reports from Half Way Tree police state that between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., a motorist parked along the roadway to attend a nearby event and returned to find the vehicle broken into. Several bottles of alcoholic beverages valued at $386,900 were stolen. Investigators determined that Benjamin, who was already in custody on a separate matter, was responsible. Charges were laid following a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of his attorney. His court date is being finalised.