Clergyman named as person of interest in probe of mummified woman's death

The Westmoreland police are seeking a clergyman they say is a person of interest in their investigation of the death of Viola Destin, whose mummified remains were discovered on July 6 in Old Hope district, Little London in the parish.

The police say he is Delroy Jones, a Jamaican national currently believed to be residing in Colorado in the United States of America.

Investigators say they believe that Jones may be able to significantly assist with the investigation of the 69-year-old woman's death.

They are urging him to make urgent contact with investigators by calling 876-955-2758, Police Emergency at 119, the NIB Tip Line at 811, Crime Stop at 311 or by reporting to the nearest police station.

Additionally, members of the public who may know Jones’ current whereabouts are also being encouraged to contact the police confidentially.

Several charges have been laid against two Westmoreland women following the discovery of Destin's mummified body.

They are 49-year-old Lavern Wedderburn, of Rocky Hill in Sheffield, and 54-year-old Gena Robinson, of Old Hope district.

They have been charged with concealment of a corpse, preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to concealment of a corpse and conspiracy to prevent the lawful burial of a corpse.

The Savanna-la-Mar police say Wedderburn saw Destin begging in Savanna-la-Mar sometime in 2023 and told Robinson about her situation.

Robinson and Wedderburn then sought advice from a pastor overseas, and following his instructions, they started to care for Destin.

Shortly after, Destin became gravely ill and was moved to Robinson’s house in the Old Hope district, where she died on December 10, 2023.

The police allege that following her death, the caregivers opted to conceal the body inside a room at the house and sprinkled it with chemicals and baking soda to keep the stench down.

One of Robinson's relatives reportedly stumbled upon the makeshift grave at the house on July 6 and summoned the police.

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