Family hands over suspect in murder of 14-y-o
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:48 AM
The police have arrested a suspect in the murder of Price Johnson, the 14-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and fatally injured in an attack at her home in Palm Grove, St Andrew, last week.
In a statement from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) confirmed the arrest of Imanie Noah Linder, who has been accused of the murder.
“Imanie Linder was taken into custody earlier today, Sunday, February 9, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m. at 34 Crescent Road, Kingston 13, with the support and in the presence of his relatives,” the JCF said. “Investigators are actively pursuing the case, and further updates will be provided as the investigative process is advanced.
“The Jamaica Constabulary Force continues to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.”
The police had launched a manhunt for the suspect after the incident that occurred around 1:59 p.m. last Thursday.
Severe head wounds
It was reported that Price was at home when a man entered her apartment, and screams were heard shortly after. A relative, alerted by the commotion, entered the residence and was later seen wrestling with the man, who managed to escape.
Price, a ninth-grade student of Haile Selassie High School in Kingston, was found in the apartment with severe wounds to her head and face. She was rushed to the hospital, where she died while undergoing treatment. Her relative, who also sustained injuries, was treated at the hospital.
The police had appealed for members of the public to assist in locating the suspect who was initially identified as Imani Lignott.
The attacker was reported to be a person of unsound mind, leading Member of Parliament for St Andrew South West, Dr Angela Brown Burke, to reiterate what she considered the urgent need for stronger mental-health interventions and community-based support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident occurred in the constituency Brown Burke represents.