The bodies of Sarayah Paulwell, the 10-month-old daughter of Jamaican Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell, and her mother, Toshyna Patterson, have been reportedly found by local investigators.
According to several reports, two burnt bodies believed to be those of a woman and a baby were found at an undisclosed location in Rockfort, East Kingston, on Friday. It is alleged that the bodies are that of Patterson and her infant daughter who have been missing since early September.
While the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has not yet confirmed the development, the reports came just hours after it was announced that four people, including Paulwell’s longtime partner, were in police custody in connection to the disappearance of the mother and daughter.
Leoda Bradshaw, a 34-year-old United States Navy officer, along with three men are expected to face charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to murder, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey.
Bradshaw is the mother of Phillip Paulwell’s eight-year-old daughter.
“This investigation has morphed into a very complex case of kidnapping and conspiracy,” said Bailey, adding that the “quality and potency” of the evidence that the police have gathered so far pointed them in Bradshaw’s direction.
Read more on this case:
- Update: Phillip Paulwell’s longtime partner among 4 in custody over MP’s missing daughter
- Police making progress in case of Phillip Paulwell’s missing daughter and her mother
- Jamaican MP Phillip Paulwell’s daughter and her mother have seemingly been abducted
“There’s a lot of misinformation that is swirling in the public and we think, in particular, with Ms. Bardshaw, we have evidence that we could advance a case at this time,” Bailey said.
“The evidence that we have is very strong and can stand up to any scrutiny in the court of law. … I am convinced that we are on the right track,” he continued, adding that the investigation “… is still ongoing, however, it is at an advanced stage.”
Bradshaw maintains innocence
When the mother and daughter pair were first reported missing, rumors circulated on social media that Bradshaw was somehow involved in their disappearance — allegations that she denied via a statement on her Facebook page.
“The only interaction I have ever had with Ms Patterson is through a brief Facebook exchange,” said Bradshaw in the statement.
“I have never spoken to her by phone nor have I made any arrangements to meet with her. Any such reports in social media are lies and will be passed on to my lawyer for action to be taken in the days ahead,” she said.
Deborah Martin, the attorney representing Bradshaw, says that as of October 8, no charges had been filed against her client, and Bradshaw is still maintaining her innocence.
