Accused in murder of Paulwell’s daughter and her mother denied bail

Leoda Bradshaw and two of her alleged accomplices, who are implicated in the murder of politician Phillip Paulwell’s 10-month-old daughter, Sarayah, and her mother, Toshyna Patterson, were yesterday denied bail when they appeared in the Home Circuit Court.

Bradshaw, who shares a child with Paulwell, her cousin Roland Balfour, and alleged triggerman David Smith were all denied bail by Justice Tara Carr.

No application was made for the fourth defendant, Bjorn Black.

The judge, in handing down her decision, said she considered the prevalence of the offences, the use of the firearm, that it was a prohibited weapon, and that it was a contract killing.

Potential for interference

In denying Bradshaw bail, Carr said the statements provided suggest that the navy officer has enough resources and connections in the United States that would provide reasonable grounds to believe she would not surrender to custody if granted bail, as well as the potential for interference with Crown witnesses.

Regarding Smith, the judge had concerns that he might be a flight risk if granted bail, and in considering the alleged roles played by both him and Balfour, there were concerns about possible interference with witnesses and their family members.

In the meantime, the prosecution advised the court that the only outstanding material was a Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division (CFCD) report, which was expected to be completed by the end of the day.

Consequently, a plea and case management hearing date was set for April 3 next year.

All accused were remanded.

The 10-month-old child and her 27-year-old mother were reportedly abducted from their home on Gilmour Drive in St Andrew on September 9 last year.

They were allegedly taken to east Kingston, shot and killed, and their bodies burned.

The alleged mastermind, United States Navy petty officer Bradshaw, is Paulwell’s companion.

Bradshaw is accused of contacting hitmen, contracting her cousin Balfour, and orchestrating a plan to kidnap and murder the mother and child.

She reportedly travelled to Jamaica with the sole purpose of murdering Paulwell’s infant daughter and her mother.

This occurred one day after she had confronted Patterson about the infant on Facebook.

Two other men, Richard Brown and Roshane Miller, previously pleaded guilty to the crime and were both sentenced.

Bradshaw is being represented by attorneys-at-law Deborah Martin, KC, and Kelly Hamilton.

Attorneys-at-law Tamika Harris and Sasha-Kay Shaw are defending Bjorn Black, while attorneys-at-law Franklyn Grenyion and Shamar Hanson are representing Smith.

Attorneys-at-law Michael Howell and Vanessa Taylor are appearing for Balfour.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com