MONTEGO BAY, St James — Attorney Chumu Paris has accepted a legal aid assignment to represent Chef Ezroy Allen, who is charged with the murder of his neighbour, 38-year-old Kadene Beswick of Catherine Hall, St James.

Allen appeared before the court last Wednesday, where it was disclosed that the post-mortem report in relation to Beswick’s death was still outstanding. Paris did not make an application for bail, and Allen was remanded in custody until October 21.

Allen is accused of fatally stabbing Beswick and later choking her young son, a minor, who allegedly witnessed the attack.

The allegations are that on April 30, Beswick was asleep at her home when she was awakened by noises coming from inside the residence. She reportedly discovered Allen inside her bedroom, and it is alleged that he attacked her, stabbing her several times.

The court was told that Beswick’s son was awakened by the incident, his mother told him to run but Allen allegedly grabbed the boy and choked him until he lost consciousness.

Allen is said to have fled the scene afterwards and returned to his nearby home.

Residents who reported hearing screams from the house during the night alerted the police. Area One crime officer Superintendent Jermaine Anglin reported that about 12:30 the following morning police were summoned to the residence. They found Beswick’s body, on its back, with multiple stab wounds. Neighbours removed Beswick’s child from the premises.

An investigation was launched, with detectives conducting interviews and using forensic resources to gather evidence.

A significant breakthrough came through the involvement of a trained dog from the JCF’s Canine Division. The dog assisted investigators in locating key evidence, including a weapon believed to have been used in the attack and clothing allegedly linked to the suspect.

Allen was later taken into custody and charged with murder.

Superintendent Anglin described the incident as a senseless act and said investigators remained committed to pursuing justice through lawful means. He added that the use of specialised investigative tools demonstrates the police force’s determination to solve serious crimes and bring closure to affected families.