It’s such a sweet thing to be able to stay connected with your family even when you’re traveling. Whether you want to send them a photo of you snorkeling in the sea or just ask how grandma is doing, family is usually just a text message away, and that can be such a comforting thought. But for some, it’s a scenario that turns scary. One woman says she received alarming text messages from her sister on the night it’s believed she was murdered.
A woman from New York was celebrating her birthday in Jamaica, when she was allegedly dropped off at a hospital unconscious by her partner. She had marks on her that led authorities to believe a violent incident had occurred.
A 35-year-old woman celebrating her birthday in Jamaica was allegedly killed by her husband.
According to a statement shared by the Jamaica Constabulary Force on Facebook on May 10, 2026, a man named Dane Watson is a person of interest in connection with the murder investigation of 35-year-old Melissa Samnath.
Jamaican authorities claim Samnath was a Jamaican national and US citizen who was living overseas. It’s believed she and Watson had gotten married in December 2025 and Samnath was in Jamaica to celebrate her birthday with her husband, per the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Facebook post.
Investigators report that on April 29, 2026, Samnath was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James by Watson, who reportedly left the medical facility shortly after assisting her from a car, per the social media post. Authorities were notified by the hospital when Samnath was pronounced dead.
She died from blunt force trauma.
According to Television Jamaica, Samnath was left at the hospital that night unconscious in a wheelchair. It’s reported that she had “visible marks of violence” on her body.
A post mortem examination concluded that Samnath died as a result of multiple blunt force traumas to the head, per the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s report on Facebook.
Jamaican authorities gave an update May 16, announcing that Watson was taken into custody in Gayle, St Mary, after he was handed over by family members on May 15.
Samnath’s sister received some ominous text messages from her the night it’s believed she was killed.
The victim’s sister, Liza Marie Samnath, told Television Jamaica that her family is questioning whether she actually married Watson. The reason for their suspicion, however, was not clear.
Liza Samnath divulged to the network that she received some strange text messages from her sister the night it’s believed she was killed. When she asked her, “How’s it going?” the person believed to be Melissa Samnath responded, “I need you to call the cops. Look at my location. It’s the pink house,” Television Jamaica shared in screenshots.
How absolutely chilling.
When her sister asked her to track her location, Liza Samnath shared that “she was not at the location where her Airbnb was,” Television Jamaica reported.
In a GoFundMe account started to help with funeral and memorial expenses, Melissa Samnath was described as “a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose warmth touched everyone around her.”
The investigation into the murder continues. Our thoughts go out to her family and loved ones as they try to navigate this difficult time.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter (domesticshelters.org).
