Lawyer says alleged wife killer beaten by prison guards

MONTEGO BAY, St James — A man accused of killing his wife who was visiting Jamaica to celebrate her birthday has complained of being beaten by prison guards. Dane Watson, 31, appeared before the St James Parish Court on Thursday charged with murder in relation to the death of 35-year-old Melissa Samnath, a Jamaican- American who was living in New York at the time of her death. Watson’s attorney, Nathan Geddes-Morrison, who told the court his client needed medical attention after being assaulted by prison authorities, said the matter was being investigated by the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). Geddes-Morrison requested that Watson be transferred to another remand facility for security reasons. The court was advised, however, that any transfer would be subject to the availability of space at another facility. The court was further informed that while certain forensic reports remained outstanding, the case file against Watson was otherwise ready to proceed. Following the proceedings, Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce ordered that Watson remain in custody and adjourned the matter to October 20 for a committal hearing to commence. The murder charge stems from the death of Samnath, who investigators said was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital on April 29 with multiple injuries and was later pronounced dead. Police allege that Watson transported Samnath to the hospital and then left. Investigators further allege that Watson subsequently left St James and was later located in Gayle, St Mary. Police said Watson contacted relatives because he was concerned about his safety. His relatives then alerted the Gayle police, prompting co-ordination between law-enforcement personnel in the two parishes. Watson was eventually taken into custody and handed over to investigators in St James, where he was subsequently charged with murder. According to media reports, Samnath was in Jamaica on what was described as a birthday trip when she was killed. There have also been reports that she realised she was in danger and sent text messages to relatives, who have since played an active role in drawing public attention to the case. King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie, who was in court on behalf of Samnath’s family on Thursday, indicated that at least two relatives had travelled from overseas to attend the day’s proceedings.