KINGSTON, Jamaica — A developing criminal investigation in Jamaica has taken a grim turn, after the primary suspect in a high-profile murder probe was discovered dead in the St Ann community of Brown’s Town, with law enforcement officials pointing to an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause of death.
The deceased has been formally identified as 50-year-old Maurice Alphanso Fennel, a licensed firearm holder who lists a Cambridge, St James address as his permanent residence.
Sources with access to the investigation speaking to Observer Online confirm that Fennel was the lead person of interest for investigators assigned to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Manchester Division, who were probing the murder of a missing woman. Law enforcement alleges Fennel was in a romantic relationship with the victim prior to her disappearance.
According to accounts from local residents connected to the case, Fennel first arrived in Brown’s Town around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and took up temporary accommodation with a pair of local friends he had visited on multiple occasions in the past.
In the hours before his body was found, the suspect reportedly sent farewell messages via text to both personal friends and members of his church community, explicitly stating that he planned to take his own life.
When first responders arrived at the scene following the discovery of Fennel’s body, they recovered his licensed Glock pistol near his remains. While unconfirmed as of Thursday afternoon, multiple reports have emerged that search teams also located the remains of the missing murdered woman at a separate location early Thursday morning.
Local law enforcement has not yet released an official statement confirming the discovery of the second body, and says more details will be released to the public as the investigation continues.