Aunt, others to seek bail in alleged abduction of teen girl for cult ritual
Published:Thursday | May 1, 2025 | 12:11 AMTanesha Mundle/Staff Reporter -
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A St Catherine woman, along with a religious leader and his wife, was remanded for a bail application on June 16 in connection with the alleged abduction of her teenage niece for participation in a cult ritual. The 13-year-old Clarendon girl, who...
A St Catherine woman, along with a religious leader and his wife, was remanded for a bail application on June 16 in connection with the alleged abduction of her teenage niece for participation in a cult ritual.
The 13-year-old Clarendon girl, who was allegedly abducted from her home on April 7 to take part in a ritual referred to as the ‘Three Days of Darkness’, was rescued eight days later at a residence in Ewarton, St Catherine.
The girl’s aunt, 35-year-old Donna-May Taylor; the alleged religious leader, 60-year-old Byron Hunter; and his wife, 38-year-old Rushea Hunter, all of a Ewarton address, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Byron Hunter and Taylor are both charged with abduction of a child under 16, being a member of a criminal organisation, two counts in relation to duty to secure education, and three counts in relation to duty to report need for care and protection.
Rushea Hunter has been charged with conspiracy to abduct a child under 16, being a member of a criminal organisation, two counts in relation to duty to secure education and three counts in relation to duty to report need for care and protection.
Yesterday, when they appeared in court, a bail hearing date was fixed before they were remanded and issued fingerprint orders.
Justice Vinette Graham Allen also ordered that disclosure be made by May 2 and for the accused’s lawyers to submit their written arguments by May 15.
The accused’s antecedents were also requested.
Allegations are that the teen was allegedly taken from her home in Four Paths. A missing person report was filed, prompting an immediate investigation by detectives from the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division.
The probe led police to a home in Ewarton where the missing girl was found.
Two other children were also discovered at the premises and were later found to be unregistered for school.
Following an investigation, all three persons were arrested and charged.
Attorney Kymberli Whittaker is representing the religious leader, while Cecile Griffiths-Ashton is defending his wife.
Attorney Stephen Palmer appeared for Taylor.