MONTEGO BAY, St James — A murder case that held the attention of many in this western city for more than three years came to an abrupt conclusion, Monday, when prosecutors formally offered no evidence against a young sales representative accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend.

Nicolette “Chride” McFarlane, a resident of Bessie Baker district in Hanover, walked free from the St James Circuit Court after the Crown indicated it would not proceed with the matter. She was represented by attorney-at-law Sherneika Jackson-Butler, and the matter was presided over by Justice Andrea Pettigrew-Collins.

The case stemmed from a violent confrontation on June 30, 2022, inside the Montego Bay Transportation Centre. Police reports state that 28-year-old O’Brian Taylor, of Appleton Hall, St James, confronted McFarlane after seeing her with another man. The dispute escalated, and McFarlane allegedly stabbed Taylor in the upper body with a knife.

Taylor managed to flee the scene but collapsed at Barnett Street Police Station moments later. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition but died later that day. McFarlane, who was 19 at the time of the incident, subsequently turned herself in to the police and was later charged.

Monday marked the second trial date. During proceedings, the prosecution stated that it could not disprove McFarlane’s claim of self-defence. To formally conclude the case, the court pleaded McFarlane, and she was required to enter a not guilty plea. Following this, the prosecution offered no evidence, effectively bringing the matter to an end.