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Two women have been charged in connection with the discovery of the mummified body of 69-year-old Viola Destin, whose remains were found in a house in Old Hope district, Little London, Westmoreland on July 6.

The accused are 54-year-old Gena Robinson, of Old Hope district, and 49-year-old Lavern Wedderburn, of Rocky Hill in Sheffield, both in Westmoreland.

They are charged with concealment of a corpse, preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to concealment of a corpse and conspiracy to prevent the lawful burial of a corpse.

Reports from the Savanna-la-Mar police say sometime in 2023, Wedderburn saw Destin begging on the streets and informed Robinson of her situation. The two reportedly sought advice from a pastor overseas, and based on his instructions, began caring for the elderly woman.

Shortly afterwards, Destin became ill and was moved into Robinson's home in Old Hope district, where she died on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Following her death, the caregivers allegedly opted to conceal the body inside a room at the house and sprinkled it with chemicals and baking soda to keep the stench down.

A relative of Robinson stumbled upon the makeshift grave at the house on July 06, 2025 and summoned the police.

On their arrival, the mummified remains of the elderly woman were reportedly found covered beneath sheets, plastic and tarpaulin.

The scene was processed, and the body was transported to the morgue pending a post-mortem examination.

Robinson was taken into custody the same day the body was found, while Wedderburn was arrested three days later.

Both women reportedly gave caution statements and confessed to their roles during question-and-answer interviews conducted in the presence of two Justices of the Peace.

Their court date is currently being finalised.

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