Detectives probing the murder of veteran journalist Barbara Gayle have charged 24-year-old Travis Ellis for her death.

Ellis was formally charged with murder Tuesday evening. He was also charged with robbery with aggravation.

Gayle was found dead at her Caymanas Estate home on December 17.

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

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

Ellis was charged last Friday with house breaking in relation to another home invasion in Phase Two of the housing development.
 
Investigators say he 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.

Investigation is ongoing.

- Andre Williams

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