Shock as woman found dead at rented home in St Mary; no foul play identified ‘at this time’
ST MARY, Jamaica — The St Mary police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem for a woman whose body was found in an advanced state of decomposition inside a rented house in Lewistore, St Mary, on Friday.
Police investigators, in a release on Monday, did not name the 35-year-old woman, but residents identified her as Kerry Henry.
She was a native of Clarendon, and a past student of the Kellits High School in the parish, Observer Online understands.
According to police reports, the woman lived alone and was last seen alive around 10:00 pm on April 14, 2026. Her death is estimated to have occurred sometime between then and 4:00 pm on April 17, when her body was discovered at the house.
A statement from the St Mary police on Monday said, “at this time, no signs of foul play have been identified” in relation to the woman’s death.
“… Reports indicate the deceased had recently visited a local medical practitioner due to general ill health,” the police statement informed.
It further said that concerns were raised after attempts to contact her by phone proved futile.
On Friday, when Henry’s landlord checked her home, a foul odour was detected, and the police were alerted.
Law enforcers found the house securely locked and were forced to gain entry to the premises.
After successfully gaining entry to the house, Henry’s body was discovered lying on her back in an advanced state of decomposition.
As news of Henry’s death circulated on the weekend, several social media users were left in shock at the news of her passing.
Facebook page, Port Maria Highlights Ja, which is dedicated to highlighting party events in the parish, paid tribute to Henry on Sunday.
“Jah Jah Kerry Rip Friend… This really really sad, don’t know what happened or to say, but condolences to family and friend,” the post stated.
Meanwhile, a female social media user described Henry as a lovely soul.
“I’m so shock and hurt. She’s (Henry) such a lovely soul. May her soul rest in peace, love always hun,” she wrote.
Shared another: “I saw her (Henry) in Highgate two weeks ago, and Kerry was always smiling. This is so heartbreaking. Where were her close friends? RIP mama.”
Another woman said Henry was a generally nice person.
“Sigh, I cant believe. Is this real Kerry? No sa, you was such a nice girl,” she wrote.
A man said, “Rip .. friend.. Last time me see her was in Christmas.. My condolences to the family. It sad. Sometime it’s not nice living alone.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing to anyone with information about the circumstances of the death to come forward.
Individuals who made observations in the area between April 14 and April 17, 2026, are urged to contact the Highgate police at 876-992-2233, Port Maria police at 876-994-4223, or Crime Stop at 311.