A young mother from St Catherine has been ordered to remain in custody after being accused of harbouring escapee Talik Chambers, who broke out of the Constant Spring police lockup earlier this month. The accused, 21-year-old Jay-Ann Holmes, also known by the alias “Shamara,” appeared before Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle this week. Prosecutors opposed her release on bail, raising concerns about her credibility and her ties to Chambers.
Court documents show that Holmes was initially booked under the name “Shamara Holmes,” but police later confirmed that her official name is Jay-Ann. The Crown described this as a troubling sign, claiming that it points to deliberate dishonesty and increases the risk of her evading future court dates.
Holmes’ attorney, Denise Hinson, rejected those claims, telling the court her client had not attempted to mislead anyone. According to the defence, Holmes simply gave the nickname by which she is most often known and had no intention of providing false information.
Hinson further argued that Holmes never aided Chambers in his escape, nor did she hide him from the police. Instead, she said, Holmes was contacted by Chambers and picked up in a taxi that he had arranged. Hinson argued that Holmes had no idea he was wanted when she went to see him with their baby.
“He was not found at her house. She did not transport him nor facilitate his escape,” Hinson explained. “He simply sent a taxi for her, and she visited him at the location with the nine-month-old child they share.”
Police reports state that Holmes was discovered with Chambers on the morning of August 20 and was taken into custody on the spot. She was later charged with harbouring a fugitive. Despite her lawyer’s plea for leniency, the judge sided with the Crown and ordered Holmes remanded. She is scheduled to return to court on September 2, when the matter will be reviewed further.