MONTEGO BAY, St James — The community of Catherine Hall is now in a state of mourning as residents try to come to grips with the death of one of their own.

Twenty-year-old Kahjei Cassell, a hotel worker, was found by firefighters on Saturday morning in the upstairs bedroom of a two storey dwelling that she was renting at the time of her death.

As residents gathered outside, there were murmurs as onlookers questioned what could have led to her losing her life in such a manner. Chief among them was Member of Parliament for the St James West Central constituency, Marlene Malahoo Forte.

“I have more questions than answers that have been provided so far based on what I have seen on the tour inside,” she said.

“I think we’ll just have to await further investigations,” she continued.

The questions arise from alleged happenings prior to her death. There were whispers of her having an argument with someone earlier in the day.

However, investigators have said they are unable to provide information as it relates to the incident just yet.

Reports coming forward are that the young woman was at home alone in the early hours of Saturday morning when screams were heard.

Shortly after, smoke and flames were seen coming from the room which she occupied. Residents tried to assist but that proved futile and firefighters were called in.

Two units from the Barnett Street Fire Station responded to the scene and managed to contain the blaze before it could spread to adjoining and other nearby buildings.

Firefighting units for the Barnett Street Fire Station on the scene

Delapenha Funeral Home and police vehicle in front of the home of Kahjei Cassell 

Malahoo-Forte, along with councillor for the Spring Gardens division, Dwight Crawford, was taken on a quick tour of the site after the police had moved on to get a better understanding of what had taken place.

“It’s just a horrible, horrible incident which has resulted in the loss of life,” she said.

Crawford explained that he also had questions about the incident as well based on what he has seen.

“Peculiar, quite peculiar after hearing the explanations. I spoke with the mother and she is absolutely devastated and my heart goes out to the family and as you said MP, there are definitely more questions than answers,” he said.

Malahoo-Forte also used the opportunity to express her considerations to the family and the loved ones of the young woman.

“I want to express my condolences to those who are left mourning this death,” she said.