Police are investigating the murder of 26-year-old Jenel Pollidore, a teacher from Lower Kara Kara, Linden, who was fatally shot on Saturday night, allegedly by the father of her children, 21-year-old Shaka Vaughn Phillips of Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The incident occurred at around 21:20 hrs at the R & R Hotel located in Central Amelia’s Ward during a wedding reception.
Investigations revealed that Pollidore and the suspect had been living together and shared three children. However, due to repeated incidents of physical abuse, the teacher reportedly separated from the suspect and obtained a restraining order against him.
According to Malika Pollidore, the niece of the deceased, they were attending the wedding reception at the R & R Hotel when the tragic event unfolded. Malika stated that her aunt was standing by the gate in front of the hotel when Phillips approached and questioned why she had not been answering her phone. An argument ensued, during which he pulled out a handgun and discharged a round in her direction.
Jenel ran into the hotel’s pool area in an attempt to escape, but the suspect pursued her and fired two additional shots before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction. The woman collapsed and became unresponsive, prompting guests to summon the police.
Upon arrival, officers found Pollidore’s body lying motionless on the ground. A physical examination revealed two gunshot wounds—one to the right side of her face and another to the back of her head. Two 9mm spent shells were recovered from the scene.
The body was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.
Police are currently searching for the suspect as the investigation continues.
