US Embassy expresses sadness at murder of American woman allegedly by her son

The United States Embassy in Kingston has expressed sadness at the killing of an American woman allegedly by her son on Monday.

The deceased is 54-year-old Marvel Johnson who was stabbed to death.

Her son is now in police custody.

Johnson, according to relatives, was on a visit to Jamaica.

She is the second US citizen to be murdered in Jamaica in a month.

On September 23, Shirnet Hammond was killed while travelling in a taxi from a funeral at the Meadowrest cemetery in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

It's reported that a gunman opened fire at the vehicle in the Red Pond area targeting Hammond, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her head and upper body.

Last week, detectives charged Caret Rutherford, who they say is a hit man, with her murder.

“The US Embassy regrets all loss of life and extends condolences to all impacted by these tragedies,” a US Embassy spokesperson said in an emailed response to queries sent by our news team.

The spokesperson said the safety and security of Americans continue to be the embassy's chief priority.

“As such, we ask that US citizens travelling to Jamaica be guided by the US State Department's Travel Advisory which currently recommends that US citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. US government personnel are prohibited from travelling to many areas due to the risk,” the email response said.

The US embassy said travellers who decide to go to Jamaica should read the travel advisory and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. 

Over 1,100 murders have been committed in Jamaica so far this year.

- Andre Williams

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