US NCIS joins investigation of the murder Paulwell-Patterson

The United States Navy Criminal Investigative Service has joined the investigation of the murder of 10-month-old Sarayah Paulwell, the daughter of Jamaican Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell, and her mother 27-year-old Toshyna Patterson.

Among those charged with the kidnapping and murder of the mother and daughter is 34-year-old Leoda Bradshaw, whom the US Navy confirmed is a petty officer assigned to a talent acquisition team in Miami.

Bradshaw shares a daughter with Phillip Paulwell and was said to be in a long-term relationship with the politician.

In a recent news report on NBC 6 Miami which featured the incident, the US Navy said it “takes all allegations of misconduct seriously” and is cooperating with investigative and law enforcement authorities.

“The matter is currently under investigation by Jamaican authorities and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service,” the Navy said.

The development comes days after Bradshaw and three others were officially charged.

Last week Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey revealed that the mother and daughter were brutally killed and their bodies burned and disposed of.

“I wish to inform the public that we are now satisfied by the overwhelming evidence secured that both Toshyna Patterson and her 10-month-old baby Sarayah were brutally murdered and their bodies burned and disposed of,” Bailey said.

“It is one of the most painful investigations for the team since recent times. However, the team of investigators continues to be professional and remain focused, “he added.

A JMD $500,00 hit

The mother and daughter were abducted from their home on Gilmour Drive in St Andrew on September 9.

Bradshaw allegedly hired her cousin and co-accused Roland Balford to contract men to kidnap and murder the two. Balford, along with the contracted men Richard Brown and Rushane Miller, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and other charges.

Bradshaw was charged with two counts each of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to kidnapping, kidnapping, and capital murder.

The prosecution alleges that she paid the men the equivalent of J$100,000 in United States currency as a down payment for the execution of the crime. The remainder of the funds ($400,000) was to be paid after the completion of the deal.

The burnt bodies of the mother and daughter were allegedly found at a site in Rockfort, East Kingston on October 6.

Phillip Paulwell 'heartbroken'

In a statement released over the weekend, Phillip Paulwell said he wants justice to be brought against all parties involved in the disappearance and subsequent death of the infant and her mother.

“The past few weeks have been extremely difficult for me as I grappled with the abduction of my daughter and her mother. I have prayed unceasingly for the safe return of Toshyna Patterson and my daughter Sarayah and I am heartbroken that the worst has happened. Nothing could have prepared me for the events that unfolded since last week Thursday and the alleged discoveries,” his statement read.

Read the latest on this case:

• Phillip Paulwell ‘heartbroken’ by murder of daughter and her mother


• Phillip Paulwell’s daughter and her mom ‘brutally murdered,’ police confirm

“I am praying for Toshyna’s family who I know are experiencing the unbearable grief and pain of losing their beloved daughter and grandaughter. As a human being, father, lawyer and legislator I am hoping that all who were involved are brought to Justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” he continued.

He has not yet commented on his relationship with Bradshaw.