The Trelawny Parish Court was engulfed in sorrow on Wednesday as staff mourned the sudden passing of 59-year-old Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence. Lawrence, a revered figure in Jamaica’s legal system, was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening at Falmouth Public General Hospital after being found unresponsive at her Coral Spring home earlier that day. Her 47-year-old partner reportedly discovered her in distress and rushed her to the hospital, where she was declared dead at 7:18 PM. A high-level investigation is underway, with unconfirmed reports suggesting possible poisoning as the cause of death. Lawrence’s absence from her morning routine and work raised initial concerns, and her partner’s attempts to assist her were tragically unsuccessful. The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes expressed profound grief, lauding Lawrence’s over two decades of dedicated service, particularly her leadership in children’s and family courts. Grief counselors were dispatched to support the court’s distraught staff, many of whom were seen weeping uncontrollably. Lawrence’s death follows the loss of Senior Parish Court Judge Stanley Clarke four years ago, compounding the grief in Trelawny. Custos of Trelawny Hugh Gentles and Cornwall Bar Association President Michael Hemmings were among those who visited the court to offer condolences. Opposition Spokesperson on Justice Zuleika Jess described Lawrence as a dedicated servant of justice whose legacy will inspire future generations. Lawrence’s career, which began in Westmoreland in 1997, was marked by integrity, compassion, and a commitment to fairness, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaica’s legal landscape.