DNA analysis allegedly ties St Mary man to teacher's murder

The police say they have charged a man in relation to the January 2025 murder of 59-year-old teacher Angella Hamilton at her home in Pear Tree Grove, St Mary, following DNA analysis of evidence from the crime scene.

The accused has been identified as 31-year-old Delroy Palmer, a resident of Hamilton's community.

Hamilton was last seen leaving for work on January 10, and about 3:05 p.m. on January 11, a friend discovered her body inside her home. The police were summoned and on their arrival, Hamilton was seen with several stab wounds.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force says the Area Two Scenes of Crime Unit of the newly established Forensic Services Branch (FSB), immediately processed the scene and collected crucial forensic evidence, which was submitted for analysis.

Three suspects, including Palmer, were taken into custody and an analysis of DNA evidence revealed a match between Palmer and the forensic materials collected from the crime scene.

He as subsequently charged on Sunday, August 3.

Head of the FSB, Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Brown, thanked members of the Area 2 Scenes of Crime Unit and the Forensic Lab for their diligent efforts, which were crucial in helping investigators to effect the arrest and charge of Palmer.

“This case emphasised the critical role that modern forensic science plays in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice,” said SSP Brown. “Our team's diligent work, from the processing of the scene to advanced DNA analysis, was instrumental in this outcome. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support our investigators and ensure a higher rate of conviction,” he added.

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