Clarendon councillor critical of police probe into Derricka Rogers’ disappearance, murder
Published:Saturday | June 14, 2025 | 12:11 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
Councillor Carlton Bailey, who represents the Milk River division in Clarendon South West, is raising concerns over the police’s handling of the investigation into the disappearance and subsequent death of 19-year-old Derricka Rogers.
Rogers, a sales representative from Gravel Hill in the parish, was reported missing on May 27. Her remains were discovered on June 1 in a sewage pit in Milk River.
According to police reports, about 8 a.m., relatives found Rogers’ body in the sewage pit, located in a yard in the community, and summoned the police. The lawmen sought the assistance of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and, on their arrival, the body – which was in a state of decomposition – was removed from the cesspit.
Following the grim discovery, the house on the property where Rogers’ remains were found was firebombed, further deepening tensions in the community.
Bailey said he was dissatisfied with the initial police response.
“I don’t think the police moved with alacrity in regard to the incident. Based on what I hear, the police had received certain information in regard to a certain individual (an alleged suspect), and they were told where that individual was that night. They made no move, only to find out that that individual left the island the following morning,” said Bailey.
Derrick Rogers, the father of the deceased, made similar allegations during an interview with journalists on the day his daughter’s remains were found. He claimed he had received word that his daughter was seen in the company of a man and believed the individual may have had information about her whereabouts.
Bailey added: “I strongly believe that if they had responded, you would not need to be looking overseas to get back that person.”
Responding to Bailey, Assistant Superintendent of Police Adrian Flemming said he could not comment on the specifics of the investigation, but noted that the probe was progressing and a suspect was already in custody.
Flemming said the police were “following strong leads” and that the investigation was at “an advanced stage”.