Man accused of killing journalist Barbara Gayle to undergo psychiatric evaluation

The man accused of killing journalist Barbara Gayle is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Justice Lorna Shelly Williams made the order when 24-year-old Travis Ellis appeared in the Home Circuit this morning and was remanded until May 26.

The case was transferred from the St Catherine Parish Court to the high Court via a voluntary bill of indictment. 

In the meantime, the court has been informed that the case file is incomplete and that several materials are outstanding.

Ellis is being represented by Kings Counsel Tom Tavares Finson and Donahue Martin.

Ellis was formally charged with murder and with robbery with aggravation after Gayle was found dead at her Caymanas Estate home on December 17.

She was found with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to her head.

Ellis was last seen with her on Monday, December 16. 

Investigators alleged that the defendant broke into a house on the day Gayle was last seen alive.

It is alleged that after breaking into the house, the suspect, in a bid to elude security personnel, ran to Phase One where he went to Gayle's home.

It's alleged that he later attacked Gayle inside her house after engaging her in a conversation.

Her GLA 180 Mercedes Benz was found along the Dyke Road in Portmore, St Catherine, a day after she was found dead.

It is believed that Ellis drove the vehicle to the location after Gayle's murder.

- Tanesha Mundle

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