Kingston, Jamaica – Travis Ellis, the man accused of murdering journalist Barbara Gayle, has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Justice Lorna Shelly Williams made the order during Ellis’ court appearance in the Home Circuit Court this morning. The case, which was transferred from the St. Catherine Parish Court via a voluntary bill of indictment, was adjourned until May 26.
Ellis, represented by King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson and Donahue Martin, faces charges of murder and robbery with aggravation. Gayle was found dead at her Caymanas Estate home on December 17, 2024, with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to her head.
Timeline of Events:
- December 16: Ellis is believed to have broken into a nearby house. To evade capture, he allegedly fled to Gayle’s residence.
- December 16: Ellis allegedly engaged Gayle in conversation before attacking her inside her home.
- December 17: Gayle is found deceased at her residence.
- December 18: Gayle’s Mercedes Benz is discovered along the Dyke Road in Portmore, St. Catherine.
Ellis was last seen with Gayle on December 16th.
The court has been informed that the case file is incomplete, with several crucial materials still outstanding.

