Man accused of murdering journalist Barbara Gayle remanded until July 21

The man accused of murdering veteran journalist Barbara Gayle has been further remanded for the continuation of his plea and case management hearing on July 21.

Travis Ellis, who is charged with murder and robbery with aggravation in connection with Gayle’s murder last December, was in January remanded for a psychiatric evaluation.

The Home Circuit Court was this morning informed that the evaluation was done but that the report is outstanding.

In the meantime, the prosecution was ordered to disclose two newly obtained documents - forensic DNA and biology certificate - to the defence by June 13.

Gayle, a respected retired journalist who was still writing for The Gleaner, was found dead at her Caymanas Estate home on December 17 with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma to her head.

Ellis was last seen with her on Monday, December 16.

Investigators alleged that the defendant broke into a house on the day Gayle was last seen alive.

It is alleged that after breaking into the house, the suspect, in a bid to elude security personnel, ran to Phase One where he went to Gayle's home.

It's alleged that he later attacked Gayle inside her house after engaging her in a conversation.

Her GLA 180 Mercedes Benz was found along the Dyke Road in Portmore, St Catherine, a day after she was found dead.

It is believed that Ellis drove the vehicle to the location after Gayle's murder.

Ellis is being represented by King’s Counsel Tom Tavares Finson and attorney-at-law Donahue Martin.

- Tanesha Mundle

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