Murdered teacher endured years of domestic violence 

Jenel Pollidore, a 26-year-old teacher from Lower Kara Kara, Linden, who had recently separated from the father of her children due to years of physical abuse, was fatally shot on Saturday night—allegedly by the same man—at the R&R Hotel in Central Amelia’s Ward.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Shaka Vaughn Phillips of Amelia’s Ward, is the father of Pollidore’s three children. Police said the incident occurred at about 21:20 hrs during a wedding reception at the hotel.

According to the victim’s niece, Malika Pollidore, Jenel was standing by the front gate of the hotel when Phillips approached and questioned her about not answering his phone. An argument reportedly ensued, during which he drew a handgun and fired a shot at her.

Pollidore ran into the hotel’s pool area, and the suspect chased her, firing two more rounds before fleeing the scene.

Police were summoned and found Pollidore lying motionless. She had sustained gunshot wounds to the right side of her face and the back of her head. Two 9mm spent shells were recovered at the scene.

The body was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are currently searching for the suspect as investigations continue.