Police in St Mary are intensifying the Mellissa Samnath murder investigation after a man wanted in connection with the death of his American girlfriend surrendered to authorities on Friday.
Investigators say 31-year-old Dane Watson turned himself in on May 15 following coordination between his relatives and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Mellissa Samnath, a 42-year-old resident of New York, was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital on April 29 with multiple injuries. She later died while undergoing treatment.
According to police reports, Watson transported Samnath to the hospital before leaving the location shortly afterward. Following the incident, investigators believed he had fled St Mary and was hiding in the Gayle community.
Law enforcement sources said Watson later contacted family members because he feared for his safety. The relatives then reached out to police in Gayle, resulting in arrangements being made for his surrender.
Authorities confirmed that Watson remains in custody as detectives continue the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.
The case has drawn widespread attention locally and internationally due to the victim’s ties to New York.
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