Mother and daughter found dead at home in Clarendon

The Clarendon police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 76-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter, whose partially decomposed bodies were found at their home in Brandon Hill, Clarendon on Wednesday. 

The deceased have been identified as retired teacher Sylvia Smith and her daughter Natalie Larmond.

According to reports, Smith and Larmond, both reportedly of unsound mind, lived together and were last seen on Monday, January 29.

Residents in the area became concerned and tried to reach them via cell phone, but their efforts were futile.

On Wednesday, about 6p.m., a neighbour visited the house and discovered that the front door was left opened, with a foul odour coming from inside.

The police were summoned, and on their arrival, both bodies were found in a state of decomposition in a room. 

The Gleaner understands that samples of cooked ackee from a pot in the kitchen were taken for testing, as sleuths try to determine if the pair died from ackee poisoning.

"It was also said that days prior both deceased appeared unwell and were losing weight rapidly," said a Gleaner source.

Postmortem examinations are pending.

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