KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is reaping the success of its enhanced forensic capabilities in solving the murder of a 59-year-old teacher who was killed in January.

Her suspected killer is to appear in court on Thursday.

Reports are that Angella Hamilton, a teacher of Pear Tree Grove, St Mary, was last seen leaving for work on January 10, and about 3:05 pm January 11, a friend discovered her body inside her home.

Upon the discovery of Hamilton’s body, the police were summoned, and on their arrival, Hamilton was seen with several stab wounds. The Area Two Scenes of Crime Unit of the newly established Forensic Services Branch (FSB), immediately processed the scene and collected forensic evidence, which was submitted for analysis.

In a statement on Thursday, police said the swift actions and effective processing of the crime scene, as well as DNA analysis at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine, led to the arrest and charge of a man living in Hamilton’s community.

He has been identified as 31-year-old Delroy Palmer of Pear Tree Grove, St Mary.

Three suspects, including Palmer, were taken into custody, and an analysis of DNA evidence revealed a match between Palmer and the forensic materials collected from the crime scene. He was charged on Sunday.

Head of the FSB, Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Brown, thanked members of the Area 2 Scenes of Crime Unit and the forensic lab for their diligent efforts.

“This case emphasised the critical role that modern forensic science plays in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice,” said SSP Brown. “Our team’s diligent work, from the processing of the scene to advanced DNA analysis, was instrumental in this outcome. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support our investigators and ensure a higher rate of conviction,” he added.

Palmer is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, August 7.