Jolyan Silvera Murder Trial Adjourned to February 2 in Gun Court

Proceedings in the murder case involving former People’s National Party Member of Parliament for St Mary Western, Jolyan Silvera, have been postponed, with the trial now set to resume on February 2 in the Gun Court.

Silvera, a 52-year-old businessman, has been in custody since January 18, 2024, after being charged with the murder of his wife, Melissa Silvera. Her death occurred in November 2023 at the couple’s residence in Stony Hill, St Andrew.

The matter, which was scheduled to begin before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, was delayed following an application by the defence seeking independent examination of key ballistic evidence. While the forensic laboratory initially objected to the request, it has since agreed to facilitate the testing.

Due to provisions under the Gun Court Act, the trial is being conducted in camera, barring media access. The presiding judge noted that any change to allow press coverage would require legislative amendment by Parliament.

Melissa Silvera, who was 42 at the time of her death, was first believed to have died from natural causes. However, a post-mortem examination conducted weeks later revealed gunshot injuries. Investigators recovered three bullet fragments from her body, prompting a murder probe.

Silvera is being represented by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie, along with attorney-at-law Patrice Riley.