Man linked to rape, murder of St Ann schoolgirl back in custody

Troy Ellis, the man accused of raping and murdering 8-year-old Talia Thompson in St Ann last month, is back in custody after being apprehended by a licensed firearm holder, the police say.

The 27-year-old escaped custody from the St Ann's Bay Hospital on September 30.

The police say a woman was driving along the Discovery Bay main road in St Ann last night when she identified a man matching the description released by the police.

She captured Ellis and handed him over to the police about 10:35 p.m on Sunday. 

"This is a commendable act by a female licensed firearm holder," the Jamaica Constabulary Force said in a Twitter update on Monday. 

The police say the Inspectorate and Professional Standard Oversight Bureau of the force is investigating the circumstances surrounding his escape.

The two members of the constabulary force who were on guard at the time of the escape have been removed from frontline duties.

The police say Ellis, who has been formally charged with rape and murder, was being treated for several serious wounds to his face and upper body.

Ellis reportedly attempted suicide after allegedly raping and murdering the child who was a student at the Discovery Bay Primary and Infant School on September 23.

Preliminary reports suggest that Ellis, who is reportedly a family friend, lured the child to his house on Fortland Road in Discovery Bay where he allegedly raped Talia and then stabbed her several times in her upper body. 

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