DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in St. Mary Teacher’s Murder

St. Mary, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is hailing the power of modern forensic science following a major breakthrough in the murder investigation of 59-year-old Angella Hamilton, a beloved teacher from Pear Tree Grove in the parish.

Hamilton was reported missing on January 10, 2025, after leaving for work and never returning. Her lifeless body was discovered the following day, January 11, inside her home with multiple stab wounds. A friend, concerned after being unable to reach her, made the grim discovery around 3:05 p.m. and summoned the police.

Thanks to the swift response by Area Two Scenes of Crime Unit, under the Forensic Services Branch (FSB), crucial forensic evidence was collected at the scene. The materials were sent to the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine, where advanced DNA analysis helped identify a suspect.

He has been named as 31-year-old Delroy Palmer, also of Pear Tree Grove. Palmer, along with two other suspects, had been taken into custody during the early stages of the investigation. However, it was the DNA evidence that linked him definitively to the crime scene.

Palmer was formally charged with murder on Sunday, August 3, and is expected to appear in court on Thursday, August 7.

Head of the FSB, Senior Superintendent Christopher Brown, praised his team and the forensic lab for their tireless work.

“This case emphasized the critical role that modern forensic science plays in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice,” SSP Brown stated. “Our team’s diligent work—from processing the scene to analyzing DNA—was instrumental in securing this arrest. We will continue to use every available tool to support investigations and improve conviction rates.”

The investigation remains ongoing, as the JCF works to ensure justice is fully served for the slain educator.