Prosecutors seek death penalty in Barbara Gayle murder case
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the murder case against Travis Ellis, the man accused of killing retired journalist Barbara Gayle.
During the hearing in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Friday, Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams ordered that Ellis be remanded in custody until May 26.
The accused is to be transferred from the Central Village lockup in St Catherine to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, where he is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
In presenting their case, the prosecution argues that the murder was committed in furtherance of robbery.
The prosecution also says the case file is not yet complete as several documents are outstanding, including the scene of crime statement, arresting officer’s statement and video recording from the scene of the crime.
Gayle was found dead at her home in the gated community of Caymanas Country Club Estate in St Catherine on December 17. Her body had multiple stab wounds and a gash to her face.
Her motor vehicle, which was stolen, was found a day later in bushes close to where Ellis was reportedly held hiding in bushes.
