Manchester woman found dead in St. Elizabeth as police probe possible murder-suicide

Police are examining a possible murder-suicide after 40-year-old Kadisha McCloud, a Manchester woman reported missing on Wednesday, was found dead in Pepper, St. Elizabeth, sometime after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026. McCloud was last seen getting into a red Honda Fit near her workplace on Caledonia Road in Manchester. Residents later discovered her body and contacted the authorities. Investigators said she had multiple injuries to the upper body, including what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

The red Honda Fit was subsequently located in Luana, St. Elizabeth. Police are also probing the death of 50-year-old Maurice Finnela of St. James, believed to be the main suspect. His body was found earlier Thursday in Standfast, Brown’s Town, St. Ann, and police believe he died by suicide. An eyewitness said a man at the scene reported that his friend had come there and shot himself, with a firearm seen nearby. Police said Finnela had visited a friend the previous day and was wanted for questioning in relation to the missing-woman case in Manchester. They also said information suggested he had been experiencing depression.

In other developments, General Legal Council Disciplinary Committee chairman Peter Champagnie, KC, reminded attorneys that client funds must be accounted for and paid over promptly, accompanied by proper statements of account, except in limited circumstances.

Tourism Director Donovan White said Jamaica keeps about 40 cents from each tourism dollar, with the rest leaving through imports and related costs. He said stronger local supply industries and major long-term investment are needed to support the demands of 4.3 million visitors.

Parliament’s Constituency Development Fund committee also discussed low pay for CDF workers. Chair Juliet Holness said staff turnover is weakening support for MPs, with some officers handling up to 10 constituencies. Members approved 2026-2027 projects covering education, housing, welfare, sports and economic development.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the National Health Fund received a cyber threat from a hacker group claiming access to agency data. He said the claim had not been confirmed, MOCA had been contacted, and the NHF had strengthened its security systems.

With 221 murders recorded in the first five months of 2026, down 23 per cent year-on-year, Eve for Life executive director Joy Crawford warned that violence against women remains urgent. She cited fear, shame, weak support systems and inadequate shelters as barriers for women trying to leave abusive relationships.