Manhunt on for husband in killing of his Jamaican born American wife

Durrant Pate/Contributor

A manhunt is now on for Dane Watson, who has been listed as a Person of Interest in connection with the murder investigation of his wife, 37-year-old Melissa Samnath, a Jamaican-born American tourist.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Watson, who frequents St. James, St. Ann and St. Mary. Samnath, a Jamaican-born national and US citizen residing in New York, had reportedly travelled to Jamaica to celebrate her 37th birthday with Watson, with whom investigators understand were married in December of 2025.

Investigators report that on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Samnath, an accountant by profession, was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James by Watson, who reportedly left the medical facility shortly after assisting her from a motor vehicle. Hospital personnel later alerted the police after she was pronounced dead.

Subsequent investigations led detectives to a premises in Norwood, St. James, where evidence relevant to the investigation was recovered. Blood stains were found all over the apartment, which is used as an Airbnb premises.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday, May 6, determined that Samnath died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

Her death getting widespread media attention

Her death has sparked widespread media attention and calls by the family for justice, with the family reporting receiving a WhatsApp message from Samnath shortly after arriving on the island, asking them to call the police, saying she is located at a Pink house, which can be found using her cell phone location function. This was the last message the family was to receive from her, an hour before her birthday, with the call recorded at 11:00pm.

Investigators are urging Watson to immediately report to the Freeport Police Station or the nearest police station. Anyone with information that can assist investigators in locating him is being asked to contact the Freeport Police at 876-953-6191, Crime Stop at 311, Police Emergency at 119 or the nearest police station.

Despite multiple police operations and widespread media attention, Watson has not yet been held. The investigation remains ongoing