A man is under police guard in the hospital after allegedly stabbing his wife to death. The accused has been identified as 39-year-old chef Anray “Bartel” Williams from Clarendon. He is facing a murder charge for the killing of 33-year-old Shashane Williams, who was stabbed multiple times Tuesday morning.
According to reports, Anray and his Shashane were in a heated altercation at their home in Cupid District. Reports indicate the couple’s children were present at the time of the incident. The altercation occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:05 a.m.
The confrontation began as a verbal dispute and erupted into a physical fight, per the Jamaica Observer. During the fight, Shashane was reportedly stabbed several times by Anray, who was, at some poin,t armed with a knife. After allegedly stabbing his wife, Anray set their house ablaze.
The news outlet cited a police report that said the children escaped the flames without injuries. Their mother was reportedly pulled from the burning house by neighbours. Shashane’s body was found in the yard by fighters after they extinguished the flames. Her body reportedly had several stab wounds and burn marks. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Anray reportedly fled but later turned himself in to the police. He was found with injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment under police watch. The murder has reignited public outrage over the ongoing issue of violence against women in Jamaica. Online tributes and calls for justice have flooded social media.
“God, please don’t allow this pattern to continue for the next six weeks. End it here, Lord!” one user wrote. Another added, “Too many emotionally immature men calling themselves men, and their first instinct is violence.”
Some speculated that the motive may have involved infidelity, a common trigger in domestic abuse cases. However, police have yet to confirm any such details as investigations continue.
Many are urging women in abusive relationships to seek help before it’s too late. “Women, if the man is violent against you, don’t stay expecting him to change,” one comment read. “Find a way to leave. If not, it may just cost you your life or your children’s.”
