Relatives of Melissa Silvera outside the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston on Friday after the sentencing of her widower Jolyan Silvera for her killing. Photo: Joseph Wellington
There was no anger. But the 20-year and 10 months prison sentence slapped on former People’s National Party Member of Parliament Jolyan Silvera for the November 10, 2023 killing of his wife Melissa elicited disappointment and resigned acceptance among her relatives outside the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston, Friday afternoon.
In contrast, family members of the former politician, who were in court, declined to comment after Chief Justice Bryan Sykes handed down the punishment.
“It was fair,” Arthur Foster, a cousin of Melissa Silvera, responded to a question from the Jamaica Observer.
Lise Walter, another cousin, said based on how the chief justice broke down the aggravating and mitigating factors which led to his sentencing decision, she learned something new. As such, the sentence, she said, was “just even”.
Melissa’s brother, Chris Walter, was among members of the family who expresse
Continue Reading on Jamaica Observer
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.