Police arrest one as part of probe into killing of Clarendon woman, residents stage protest

The police have taken one person into custody as investigations continue into the killing of 64-year-old domestic helper Hyacinth Rose Johnson, also known as 'June', of Union district in Grantham, near Frankfield in Clarendon.

The development came as placard-bearing residents, clad in red and black, marched through the community on Monday in a sombre display of grief and solidarity while calling for justice.

The gathering painted a grim picture of a once-quiet farming district now shaken by the violent death of one of its own.

The police reported that about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, residents stumbled upon Johnson's body behind her house.

Upon arrival, officers observed the body lying face down with stab wounds to the chest.

Residents said concern grew when Johnson failed to attend her usual prayer meeting last Tuesday, prompting them to check on her.

They later made the grim discovery.

Deputy Superintendent Kevin Brown, who addressed residents during the march, said two people had previously been taken into custody in connection with the investigation but were later released after investigators found insufficient evidence linking them to the crime.

"We have since taken another person into custody," Brown said.

He cautioned residents, however, that being taken into police custody does not mean a person is guilty, and urged them to allow investigators to carry out their work.

Councillor for the area, Stephen Williams, who joined the march, expressed outrage at the killing.

"When I got the phone call... up to now, it hit me very hard because it is a quiet community, very quiet, and the community isn't used to things like this in Union. It is very shocking and alarming," Williams said.

He said residents must unite to address the situation and assist the police in solving the case.

"What happened last week is a burden on all of us, and all of us have to join hands and hearts to eliminate the monster that's taking place right in this community. We have to come together now because this series of events that took place last week cannot go unnoticed. We have to come together, sit as residents, and help the police solve this one," Williams said.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is being asked to call the May Pen Criminal Investigations Branch at 876-832-2077, the police emergency number, 119, or the nearest police station.

- Olivia Brown

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