It has been revealed that the elderly woman whose corpse was kept in bed for nearly two years after her passing had not one but two carers who reportedly played a role in covering up her death. Initially, when law enforcement was made aware of Viola Destin’s corpse, 54-year-old Gena Robinson was arrested.
Now, another Westmoreland woman, identified as 49-year-old Lavern Wedderburn, has also been formally charged in connection with the incident. Reports say that both women were caring for 69-year-old Viola Destin, who was sickly. The elderly woman passed away in the Old Hope district in 2023. Nearly 2 years later, her mummified body was found on July 6, 2025.
According to police reports, the connection between the carers began when Wedderburn saw Destin begging in Savanna-la-Mar sometime in 2023. Wedderburn was reportedly concerned for the elderly woman’s well-being and informed Robinson of the situation. The two women reportedly sought spiritual advice from a pastor abroad and, based on his guidance, decided to care for Destin together.
However, Destin was moved into Robinson’s Old Hope home when her health continued to deteriorate. After she passed away on December 10, 2023, the women allegedly decided to conceal the body. Police say that they used chemicals and baking soda in an attempt to mask the smell and wrapped the remains in sheets, plastic, and tarpaulin.
The police were alerted after one of Robinson’s relatives found the concealed body. When officers from the Savanna-la-Mar Police arrived, the presence of the mummified remains was confirmed, and the corpse was later transported to the mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem.
Both women were taken into custody, Robinson on the day of the discovery and Wedderburn three days later. They reportedly gave caution statements and confessed to their roles in the cover-up during official interviews held in the presence of two justices of the peace.
The charges laid against them include concealment of a corpse, preventing lawful burial, perverting the course of justice, and conspiracy. A court date for the two is currently being finalised.