Life
JAM | Dec 18, 2023

Who was Melissa Silvera and why was she killed?

Tamoy Ashman

Tamoy Ashman / Our Today

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Melissa Silvera. (Photo: Facebook @Melissa Silvera)

Reports about the tragic passing of Melissa Silvera have left an atmosphere of sadness and a deep void in the Silvera family, yet her legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her relatives and the community will forever illuminate the hearts of those who were touched by her grace.

As questions about her death arise, reflections on who she was and the contributions she made to society have also emerged.

Melissa is an alumnus of the University of Virginia, where she pursued her thirst for knowledge. Her academic pursuit laid the foundation for a future that would see her transition from the managing director of Moda Petroleum Limited to the esteemed role of CEO.

She entered a new stage of her life in 2015 when she exchanged vows with Jolyan Silvera, former West St Mary member of parliament and chairman of the People’s National Party’s Founders Group. Together, they formed a family of four sons: twins Adam and Aden, and brothers Justin and Axel Justin. Their family also included Jolyan’s daughter from a previous relationship, Joelle Silvera.

Mellisa Silvera and her husband Jolyan Silvera. They are joined by their twin sons Adam and Aden and their youngest Axel. (Photo: Facebook @Melissa Silvera)

Shortly after their union, tragedy struck their household in August 2017 when their two-year-old son Justin drowned in a pool at their Stony Hill residence in St Andrew. In the midst of their grief, the couple found solace in each other, forging a path forward. Two years later, they had Axel, their fourth child together.

However, their family was again struck with grief following the passing of Melissa’s mother in May 2023.
As the daughter of Leslene Davis, a woman known for her contributions to industrial development and national charitable causes, Melisa inherited a legacy of service.

Following reports that Melissa died in her sleep at her home in Stony Hill, many took to social media to reflect on the life she lived, thanking her for her charitable endeavours and advocacy work. She was also remembered as a beloved wife who was dedicated to the growth and development of her family.

As her loved ones mourned what they thought was her peaceful death, things took a turn over the weekend when an autopsy revealed that her death was now a murder investigation.

Jolyan Silvera and Melissa Silvera at their wedding ceremony in 2015. (Photo: Dwayne Watkins)

According to Deputy Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey, a post-mortem revealed that three bullet fragments were found in her body, causing the police to open a murder investigation.

Following the reports, her husband declared his innocence and denied any involvement in her murder.
However, he was questioned by police and his firearm was seized for testing.

Reports have also surfaced that Jolyan made adjustments to the couple’s bedroom after her death, painting the walls, destroying the bed, and retiling the floor.

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