In a deeply emotional scene outside the Serious Offences Court on Thursday, accused murderer Joelah Hepburn, also known as Jolan Hepburn, remained silent as grieving family members of Lyda Adams desperately pleaded for information about the whereabouts of her body. The 36-year-old victim, who was six months pregnant and mother to a 9-year-old boy, disappeared on November 8 after leaving her Barrouallie home stating she was going to see a doctor.
CCTV evidence later placed Adams disembarking from a ferry in Bequia around 8:56 a.m. on the day of her disappearance, where Hepburn, a resident of Byera, was known to work. Despite the absence of a recovered body, authorities have proceeded with murder charges against Hepburn, citing sufficient evidence for the prosecution.
The court proceedings revealed tense moments as family members confronted Hepburn upon his arrival under heavy police guard. Female relatives shouted emotional appeals, including ‘Please let us know where Sherika is. We need Sherika to bury,’ while the victim’s mother, Viola Adams, broke down in tears. Family members noted that Hepburn attempted to conceal his face as he entered the courtroom.
Chief Magistrate Colin John formally read the murder charge to Hepburn, who appeared without legal representation as his lawyer, Michael Wyllie, was attending another court matter. The magistrate explained that the absence of counsel would not affect the proceedings since Hepburn could not enter a plea at this preliminary stage and bail was not an option.
Prosecutor Inspector Renrick Cato requested a two-month adjournment to allow investigators to complete their case files. However, Magistrate John scheduled the next hearing for January 12, 2026, for a status update while remanding Hepburn in prison until his next appearance.
Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, Viola Adams pleaded with detectives to continue searching for her daughter’s remains, stating that closure would only come with recovery of the body, ‘even if it’s her bones.’ Detective Corporal 502 Millington of the Major Crimes Unit is leading the ongoing investigation.