Murder case against son accused of killing 80-y-o mother delayed over lack of interpreter

The murder case against Paulo Grant, who is accused of killing his 80-year-old mother, whose body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, was stalled on Tuesday in the St Catherine Parish Court due to the absence of an interpreter.

During proceedings, the defence informed the court that Grant is Italian and requires an interpreter to assist with the psychiatric evaluation report and the matter overall.

The Clerk of Court acknowledged the issue and told the court that contact had been established with an interpreter in Italy, but formal arrangements still need to be made.

“Your Honour, the only available interpreter is in Italy, but we need to have such a service to pursue the matter,” the clerk said.

Presiding Judge Ronief Lawrence instructed that a letter be sent to the Ministry of Justice to secure the services of an interpreter to advance the case.

As a result, the matter was postponed until July 26 to allow time for the process to be regularised.

Allegations are that about 11:00 a.m. on November 19, 2025, members of the Cheesefield community in St Catherine went in search of Grant.

After entering the dwelling, they reportedly stumbled upon the body of 80-year-old retiree Jasmine Grant in an advanced state of decomposition.

The police were summoned, and Paulo Grant was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was subsequently charged and has made several court appearances since.

- Rasbert Turner

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.