Maitland Ordered to Answer Charges in Donna-Lee Donaldson Case

A Home Circuit Court judge has determined that the prosecution has established sufficient evidence for Constable Noel Maitland to be called upon to defend himself against charges arising from the disappearance and death of his former girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson.

Justice Leighton Pusey delivered the ruling on Friday, concluding that Maitland must answer allegations of murder and preventing the lawful burial of a body. The decision followed oral arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence on Thursday, after written submissions were filed at the close of the Crown’s case.

Maitland is scheduled to begin presenting his defence on Monday.

Donaldson, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, was reported missing on July 13, 2022. Maitland was later arrested and formally charged in connection with her disappearance.

The trial, which commenced in May 2025, is being heard before a seven-member jury. Over the course of the prosecution’s case, 36 witnesses were called to give evidence.

Among them was Donaldson’s mother, who told the court that her daughter was last seen alive on July 11, 2022, when Maitland collected her from her St Andrew home. She also testified that she spoke with her daughter the following morning, July 12.

In a statement given to police on July 15, 2022, Maitland said Donaldson left his apartment at Chelsea Manor in St Andrew after an argument earlier that day. He claimed the dispute stemmed from a photograph of his child’s mother and his indication that he intended to end the relationship. Maitland told investigators that his subsequent attempts to contact Donaldson by phone were unsuccessful.

The prosecution also presented forensic evidence, including testimony from a government analyst who stated that blood traces found on items recovered from Maitland’s New Kingston apartment were matched to Donaldson’s DNA.