Nearly one-third of the murders recorded by the St. Catherine South Police since the start of the year, have been linked to domestic violence or interpersonal conflicts.
This was disclosed by Senior Superintendent Leighton Grey, Commanding Officer for the division.
He revealed that, of the 29 murders recorded across the communities that fall within the division, nine have stemmed from domestic violence-related incidents or interpersonal conflicts.
The latest incident occurred on the weekend, when a security guard, who left her home to avoid an argument with a man, said to be an ex-boyfriend, was chased and stabbed to death in Old Harbour, St. Catherine.
The woman has been identified as 39-year-old Patricia Dennis, of Hawk Lane, in Bullet Tree district, also in Old Harbour.
SSP Grey said investigators have received reports from residents that the relationship ended because the two frequently argued.
A manhunt was still on for the 35-year-old suspect up to late Sunday.
According to reports, Dennis returned home from a wake about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, when her attacker showed up and tried to enter her house.
It is reported that an argument developed and she left the house and went to the home of the suspect's mother to complain.
He reportedly gave chase and caught up to her at the house, where he allegedly used a knife to stab her several times in her neck, abdomen, and upper body.
SSP Grey said the St. Catherine South Police, with assistance from other stakeholders, have taken steps to engage residents to provide guidance on some of the ways they can peacefully resolve disputes.
Police commanders in St. Andrew South and St. James have expressed similar concerns about the growing number of murders stemming from domestic violence-related incidents or interpersonal conflicts.
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