Outstanding psychiatric report delays case against man accused of killing journalist Barbara Gayle

The man accused of murdering veteran journalist Barbara Gayle has been further remanded until February 4, 2026, for the continuation of his plea and case management hearing.

The accused, Travis Ellis, who was arrested in connection with Gayle’s murder last December, was remanded on murder and robbery with aggravation charges.

The Home Circuit Court this morning heard that a psychiatric report was still outstanding.

Two separate psychiatric reports have been ordered, but the accused has so far been examined by only one doctor. As a result, the matter was adjourned to allow time for the completion of the outstanding assessment.

The defence in the meantime bemoaned the length of time it has taken for even one report from a forensic psychiatrist to be provided.

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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