Police Charge Four for Lauriston Beheadings

KINGSTON — The police have arrested and charged four men in connection with the July 20 murders of two women in Lauriston, St. Catherine.

The women, 40-year-old higgler, Charmaine Cover-Ratttay, and her 18-year-old daughter, Joeith Lynch, were killed and beheaded by gunmen who invaded their homes during a pre-dawn attack.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Police Commissioner's office, Old Hope Road, St. Andrew, on Monday August 22, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Ealan Powell, told journalists that the four men charged include: two labourers and a carpenter, all in their early 20s; and a security guard in his late 20s, all of Lauriston, St. Catherine, addresses.

The CIB Head disclosed that the four, whom he said are part of a criminal network operating in St. Catherine, particularly Lauriston, have also been charged for conspiracy to murder; and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. He added that the men will be taken before the court to answer to the charges “in very short order."

Additionally, ACP Powell said the police are also seeking five persons of interest, whom it is believed can assist in the investigations into the murders, and other crimes committed on St. Catherine. They include: an assistant teacher, and a labourer, all of Lauriston addresses.

“We are continuing our investigations, and I would like to offer congratulations to the investigators, our Scene of Crime personnel, and the various units that have been involved in these investigations. We are proud to say that we have, at least, made significant headway in these investigations,” ACP Powell said.

By DOUGLAS McINTOSH, JIS Reporter