Trelawny police investigating death of parish court judge

 

The Trelawny police are investigating the death of a parish court judge who is suspected to have ingested poison at her home in Coral Springs Village on Tuesday.

 

Ruth Lawrence, 59, was reportedly transported to Falmouth Hospital by her spouse, where she was pronounced dead sometime after 7 p.m. 

 

According to the police report, Judge Lawrence's spouse reported that about 5 a.m., he knocked on her bedroom door to invite her for their regular morning run, but did not receive a response so he proceeded alone.

 

He checked on her again about four hours later, and observed that she had not left for court. 

 

The spouse reported that he called out to her but received no response.

 

About 1 p.m., he reported that he heard groaning coming from the bathroom, but it was not until about 4 p.m. that he checked on Judge Lawrence again, at which time, she reportedly responded in anguish that she could not move. 

 

He reported that the judge opened the bathroom door of the apartment after he threatened to call the police. 

 

The judge allegedly told him that her stomach was burning and that she had ingested poison. 

 

Her spouse reported that he cleaned her up and gave her charcoal, believing it could help to neutralise the effects of the substance. 

 

He then cleaned the apartment. 

 

Some time after 7 p.m., he observed that she was unresponsive and took her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

 

The police say the judge's spouse disclosed that in recent weeks, she had appeared visibly stressed and emotionally burdened, particularly regarding work-related matters.

 

In the meantime, President of the Northern Jamaican Law Society, Pearline Bailey, has expressed deep regret and sadness at the passing of Judge Ruth Lawrence. 

 

Ms. Bailey, who has known Judge Lawrence for several years, described her as compassionate and hardworking. 

 

"When she became a judge in St. Ann, fairly young, and was here for a number of years, during that time and since then, she has always been a very compassionate and hardworking person. She was determined when she came initially that she didn't have a lot of experience in the civil arena and she was going to bring herself up to speed very quickly. She worked very hard, very long, hard hours, and throughout it she was always had a smile, she was always compassionate.... I am really sad to hear of her passing and I just wish to express my condolences."

 

Ms. Bailey said Judge Lawrence served on the bench for in excess of 20 years. 

 

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Justice Zuleika Jess said Judge Lawrence gave extensive and exemplary service to Jamaica's justice system, serving with distinction until the time of her passing.

 

"She was known for her integrity, fairness and compassion - qualities that earned her the admiration of her colleagues and the respect of those she served. Her life's work reflected the highest ideals of justice and equity, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come," said the opposition spokesperson.