ST JAMES, Jamaica — The St James Parish Court is set to hold an online committal hearing for Shamoya Green, a local woman charged with allegedly throwing her five-month-old daughter off the roof of a three-storey building in December last year. The hearing is scheduled for September 26.
During a recent court session presided over by Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, it was disclosed that Green, currently detained at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre in St Andrew, could not be transported to St James due to her medical condition. The judge emphasized that it would be unwise to transport Green, considering her health.
According to a June 21, 2024 medical report, Green is reportedly incapable of comprehending the nature of the charges against her, the court procedures, or the implications of a guilty or not guilty plea. Additionally, she is reportedly unable to testify or challenge witnesses and jurors effectively. This assessment has influenced the court’s decision to conduct the hearing virtually.
Further elaborating on Green’s health, Judge Fairclough-Hylton cited a more recent medical report dated July 22, which highlighted her seizure disorder resulting in psychosis. The judge noted that Green’s mental health has not shown any signs of improvement, making physical transportation to St James problematic.
The committal hearing aims to establish whether a prima facie case exists. Should such a case be established, the matter will then advance to the Circuit Court for a fitness to plead hearing.
The charges against Green stem from an incident on December 6, 2023, around 5:35 pm. According to allegations, Green, who was at home with her common-law husband and other family members, requested a conversation with her partner about their relationship. When he deferred the talk for later that evening, Green allegedly became enraged and left the room, carrying her infant daughter Destiny with her. She is accused of taking Destiny to the rooftop of the three-storey building and throwing the child onto the concrete pit below.
Authorities were alerted immediately, and despite being rushed to the hospital, Destiny succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
As the case progresses, the judicial system now faces the complex task of addressing Green’s mental and physical health issues alongside the severe allegations against her. The outcome of the committal hearing will determine the next steps in this tragic and high-profile case.
