Former member of parliament Jolyan Silvera has today pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case of the murder of his wife Melissa Silvera.

Melissa Silvera was found dead at the couple's home in Stony Hill, St. Andrew, on November 10, 2023. Early reports suggested she died in her sleep from natural causes.

A subsequent post-mortem examination performed weeks later discovered three bullet fragments in her body, shifting the case into a murder investigation.

Police allege the crime scene was tampered with, including reports that the bedroom was repainted, the floor retiled, and the bed destroyed after the death.

Silvera represented the People’s National Party (PNP) after winning the Western St Mary seat in the 2011 general election.

Silvera is being represented by high-profile defense attorneys Peter Champagnie KC and Patrice Riley. The trial is being held "in-camera" (privately) in the Gun Court to protect the sensitivity of the proceedings.