Trial looms for Leoda Bradshaw after plea discussions crumble

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Leoda Bradshaw is now expected to stand trial for the alleged murder of parliamentarian Phillip Paulwell’s 10-month-old daughter Serayah Paulwell and the child’s mother, 27-year-old Toshyna Patterson, after plea bargain negotiations collapsed on Thursday in the Supreme Court.

The breakdown in discussions clears the way for the high-profile case to proceed, with a plea and case management hearing set for June 24 that could determine, among other things, a trial date.

Earlier Thursday, Bradshaw’s legal team indicated her willingness to plead guilty under section 2 (2) of the Offences Against the Person Act, but the parties were unable to come to any agreement.

Section 2(2) of the Jamaican Offences Against the Person Act defines non-capital murder. Under this subsection, any murder that does not meet the strict criteria for “capital murder” (such as contract killings or those committed during acts of terrorism) is classified as non-capital.

For a conviction under this section, the court has the discretion to impose a sentence of life imprisonment or a specified term of imprisonment with a statutory minimum of 15 years before parole.

Bradshaw, a former United States Navy culinary specialist, has been charged with two counts of conspiracy to murder, two counts of conspiracy to kidnapping, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of capital murder alongside her cousin Roland Balfour, alleged triggerman David Smith, and Bjorn Black.

Her co-accused had earlier plead guilty and are serving their sentences.

Patterson and her daughter were reported missing on September 9, 2023.

Prosecutors say the mother and daughter were taken to Warieka Hills in St Andrew where they were shot and killed and their bodies burned.

– Alicia Dunkley-Willis