Jamaica Paulwell Daughter Murder: Triggerman Gets Life, 45 Years Before Parole

Jamaica's Chief Justice Bryan Sykes handed down a life sentence on Friday, 2 October, to David Smith for the brutal murders of Toshyna Patterson and her infant daughter Sarayah Paulwell in September 2023. The 35-year-old Kingston painter had pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of both victims. Under a plea agreement, Smith received 45 years for the infant's murder and 25 years for his mother's murder, with the capital murder charges reduced to regular murder.

Smith was also given three years for the baby's kidnapping and two years for his mother's kidnapping. The capital murder charges, carrying the death penalty, were reduced to regular murder. Smith was described by the Observer as the triggerman in the killings. His lawyers had expected a sentence of 30 to 35 years. Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson appeared for the Crown.

Sykes noted that Smith had been eligible for the death penalty but said life should mean life. Smith expressed regret for his actions and wished he could change his decision. The victims' mother and sisters wept in court and declined to comment afterwards. Smith's sentence is the first major ruling since the trial of the remaining accused was delayed to 2027.

The alleged mastermind, Leoda Bradshaw, faces similar charges and is currently in custody. Smith's plea deal requires no testimony at the February trial, and his sentences on the separate counts run concurrently. The defense or prosecution may appeal the ruling, but no statement from Phillip Paulwell was reported.