KINGSTON, Jamaica — The mom of social media influencer and entrepreneur Donna-Lee Donaldson testified that her daughter left their St Andrew residence along with her passport on July 11, 2022—two days earlier than she was reported lacking.
Donaldson, 24, was final seen alive on the Chelsea Manor residence of her boyfriend, Constable Noel Maitland. He’s now on trial within the House Circuit Court docket for homicide and stopping the lawful burial of a corpse.
Underneath cross-examination from defence lawyer Christopher Townsend, Donaldson’s mom, Sophia Lugg, stated her daughter “had her causes” for carrying the passport. She added that though investigators from the Unbiased Fee of Investigations (INDECOM) had questioned her concerning the journey doc after her daughter’s disappearance, she was unable to supply it and instructed them it had been taken by Donaldson.
Lugg testified that the final time she heard from her daughter was on the morning of July 12, when Donaldson referred to as round 8:00 a.m. and requested her to feed her canine, China. A number of calls made afterward went unanswered. “Even now, I nonetheless name the quantity,” the visibly distressed mom instructed the court docket.
Earlier within the trial, Lugg additionally testified that round that very same time, Donaldson’s father, who resides within the Bahamas, had despatched her cash via a remittance company. In accordance with Lugg, Maitland instructed her he had overheard a cellphone dialog between Donaldson and her father concerning the funds whereas she was at his residence.
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Through the proceedings, the defence urged that somebody aside from Maitland—similar to a taxi driver or stalker—might have been chargeable for Donaldson’s disappearance. Townsend questioned Lugg about her daughter’s frequent use of taxi companies. Lugg confirmed that her daughter used three totally different taxi corporations and had a most popular driver, although she admitted she by no means instructed police about him. Lugg additionally shared that Donaldson, who ran a swimwear enterprise, made deliveries two to a few instances per week.
The defence pressed additional, pointing to Donaldson’s Instagram exercise. Townsend requested if Lugg was conscious that her daughter had posted images and movies modelling swimwear and lingerie to advertise her model. Lugg stated she was. When requested whether or not Donaldson had ever complained about receiving inappropriate sexual feedback or being stalked on-line, Lugg firmly responded, “No, sir.”
The defence additionally requested Lugg whether or not she knew about reviews that Donaldson had tried to conceive a baby with Maitland and had suffered three miscarriages. Lugg denied any data of such claims, responding, “No, sir, I’m not conscious,” with a smirk.
Donna-Lee Donaldson was reported lacking on July 13, 2022. Her physique has by no means been discovered.
The trial continues.
