Prosecution Closes Case in Maitland Murder Trial, Defence Moves to Dismiss

Kingston, Jamaica – December 9, 2025 – The prosecution in the high-profile trial of Noel Maitland has formally closed its case, bringing to an end months of testimony surrounding the 2022 disappearance and alleged murder of his girlfriend, Donna‑Lee Donaldson.

Over the past eight months, a seven-member jury—comprising three women and four men—heard evidence from 36 witnesses in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston. The prosecution presented forensic evidence, including blood traces found on drapery and cushion covers from Maitland’s apartment, which were linked to the missing woman. Investigators also testified about the condition of the apartment at the time of their search in July 2022.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, Maitland’s defence lawyers announced they would file a “no‑case submission,” seeking to have the case dismissed. They argue that the prosecution has not established a prima facie case against their client, and the judge will now decide whether the trial should proceed to the defence’s evidence phase or be thrown out.

The trial has captured national attention since Donaldson was last seen alive on July 12, 2022, in the St. Andrew apartment complex where Maitland lived. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern, and the subsequent investigation involved extensive forensic analysis and witness testimony.

The court is expected to rule on the defence’s application in the coming days, determining whether Maitland will face the remainder of the trial or whether charges could be dismissed