A WOMAN has been brutally beaten to death while celebrating her birthday as cops launch a frantic manhunt to find her killer.
Melissa Kerry Samnath was visiting her husband in Jamaica when she was bludgeoned in the head and dropped off at hospital in a wheelchair.
Melissa Kerry Samnath flew to Jamaica to celebrate her brithday – before being ruthlessly beaten to death Credit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
Her murderer is still on the run Credit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
Investigators believe it was her partner Dane Watson, whom she reportedly married in December 2025, who wheeled the dying woman to Cornwall Regional Hospital.
Dane is also the prime suspect in her senseless killing – and he is still on the run.
“The are looking for him, but they still haven’t received any breakthroughs”, confirmed one local to
In another sickening twist, the family of the victim found out about Melissa’s death from a phone call by the mother of the alleged murderer.
When cops arrived at the place where she was staying with her husband, they found her belongings swimming in pools of blood.
Melissa, from , had been visiting the sunny island to celebrate her birthday.
But shortly after landing in Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa texted what would become her chilling final words.
The cryptic message to her family said: “I need you to call the cops. … Look at my location”.
The holiday-maker was wheeled to Cornwall Regional Hospital where she later died on April 29 Credit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
A GoFundMe for Melissa’s funeral describes her as ‘a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose warmth touched everyone around her’ Credit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
After her murder, authorities traced her location to her husband’s home in Norwood, St James – but Dane had already fled the scene.
One eye-witness said: “There was a whole heap of blood in his house in Norwood. Him beat her badly, man. Beat her in her head”.
Despite the bloodstains and pools of blood, neighbours claimed they did not hear screaming or sounds of struggle.
Investigators therefore believe Melissa may have been gagged in her final hours.
Police have launched a desperate manhunt for her husband Dane Watson Credit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
One family member has issued an urgent warning to locals: “There is a murderer on the run, and he is clearly in an area with a lot of tourists.
“He is dangerous. Women need to be careful because they don’t know what he is capable of.”
Melissa’s niece identified her body.
Using the pseudonym Janice Wynter, she told local media that her aunt was “one of the most loving persons ever”.
“My aunt was very helpful and family-oriented. When my grandfather died – her father – she was the one taking care of my other aunt and grandma”, explained Wynter.
“It has been hard on us. We can’t understand why he did this to her. She wasn’t an evil person. She was the baby of our family. Now we have to bring her body back to bury.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise for Melissa’s and to bring her body back to the US.
The fundraiser description describes Melissa as “a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose warmth touched everyone around her”.
“She loved traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with the people she cared for most. Her loss has left a deep pain in our family that words cannot fully express”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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