A woman has been found dead while on a birthday holiday in Jamaica, prompting police to launch a search for her husband. Melissa Kerry Samnath, 35, originally from Jamaica but residing in New York, died after being taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, according to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Details of the Incident
Police confirmed that Samnath traveled to Jamaica to celebrate her birthday with Dane Watson, whom investigators believe she married in December 2025. Hospital staff alerted authorities after she was pronounced dead on April 29. A post-mortem examination conducted on May 6 concluded that Samnath died from multiple blunt force trauma to the head.
Police Investigation
Detectives retrieved evidence from a property in Norwood, St James. The JCF stated: 'Ms. Samnath was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James by Watson, who reportedly left the medical facility shortly after assisting her from a motor vehicle.' Officers have named Watson as a person of interest and urge him to present himself at Freeport Police Station or his nearest police station without delay.
Family and Community Response
A GoFundMe page set up by family members to cover funeral and memorial expenses described Samnath as a 'strong, loving, and unforgettable woman.' The page reads: 'She loved traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with the people she cared for most. Her loss has left a deep pain in our family that words cannot fully express.'
The JCF added: 'Anyone with information that can assist investigators in locating him is being asked to contact the Freeport Police.' The investigation is ongoing.
