Trelawny trio charged with rape and murder of 15-y-o schoolgirl

Three men have been charged with the brutal rape and murder of 15-year-old Jamelia Cole, and the violent assault of three of her female relatives during a horrific attack at their home in Trelawny in August last year. 

The accused are:

- 23-year-old farmer Timoy 'Big Red' Brown, from Cotton Tree district; was charged in February with misprision of a felony for failing to report the incident

- 22-year-old Tyrese Brown, also called 'Sheetsman,' from Albert Town

- 20-year-old Jabean Brock, also known as 'Nuko', a labourer from Stettin district, Trelawny

The men have been charged with being part of a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit burglary, aid and abetting burglary, capital murder, wounding with intent, causing grievous bodily harm to commit murder, burglary with intent, and rape.

According to police reports, the three men forcibly entered the home in Albert Town through a kitchen window around 7 a.m. on August 6. At home were four females.

During the intrusion, three of the women were allegedly struck on the head with a blunt object, rendering them unconscious. The fourth occupant, a 9-year-old girl, was asleep at the time. She awoke to the commotion, contacted her father, who then instructed her to seek help from neighbours who alerted the police. 

Upon arrival, a police team discovered the three unconscious women and found the body of 15-year-old Cole, who was allegedly raped, beaten, and left tied up in a yam field near her home.

Cole was pronounced dead at hospital. The other women received medical treatment and were subsequently released.

The police say Tyrese Brown was apprehended on August 19, while driving a stolen motor vehicle, and is currently being remanded in custody.

The other two suspects, Timoy Brown and Jabean Brock, were arrested in their respective communities and were jointly charged after a question-and-answer session on Saturday, in the presence of their attorneys.

Trelawny Criminal Investigation Branch, which is investigating the case, is urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.