Nationwide — Melissa Kerry Samnath, an African American woman from New York City, tragically died in Jamaica during a birthday trip after sending urgent messages to family asking them to call the police. Authorities are now searching for her husband, Dane Watson, who has been named as a person of interest in the investigation.
Samnath, a 35-year-old accountant from Queens, arrived in Jamaica on April 28 to celebrate her birthday. Within a day, she was rushed to Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James with severe head injuries. She died on April 29, the same day she turned 35.
Before her death, Samnath sent distress messages through WhatsApp to relatives. In one message sent shortly before 11 p.m., she asked them to contact the police and track her location. She also mentioned she was at a “pink house.”
According to the New York Post, investigators said her husband, Dane Watson, later dropped her off at the hospital in a wheelchair before leaving the scene. Police have since identified him as a person of interest and launched a search.
Relatives said Watson’s mother later contacted the family and claimed he admitted what happened during a phone call. Samnath’s niece, Janice Wynter, said the family was left devastated after hearing what allegedly happened.
Police also searched a home in St. James Parish near Montego Bay as part of the investigation. Officers reportedly found blood inside the property along with some of Samnath’s belongings. Authorities have not released full details about the evidence.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed the couple walking from Samnath’s Airbnb to Watson’s residence earlier that day. Investigators believe the pair married in December after meeting online, and that Samnath had previously traveled to Jamaica to meet him.
Family members described Samnath as warm and full of life. Her sister, Liza Samnath, said they were very close and called her “my best friend.” Wynter also described her as one of the most loving people in the family.
The case has unsettled residents in the Norwood community as police continue their search for Watson. Family members have also urged others to stay cautious while he remains at large.
A GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover funeral expenses. It has so far raised nearly $17,000. The family said any remaining funds will be donated to organizations supporting victims of domestic violence in Samnath’s memory.