Authorities have named a “person of interest” in the alleged murder of Instagram influencer Aneka “Slickianna” Townsend, whose body was found floating off the shore of Jamaica.
Beachcombers had reportedly discovered the 35-year-old’s decomposing corpse floating in the water off Reading, St Andrew Parish, on the morning of Oct. 21, Jam Press reported.
No cause of death has been given, but Townsend was in a seminude state with wounds to her head and neck, according to the Jamaica Observer.
Following the grisly discovery, eyewitnesses alerted authorities, who enlisted the Marine Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to help them retrieve her body from the ocean.
Bystanders said they saw police also remove a blood-covered towel and wig from the scene of the alleged crime. They subsequently identified the St. Andrew Parish-based fashion influencer and brand ambassador, who went by the moniker “Kayan,” later that day with the aid of her mother.
Police have since named Rushane “Chizzie” Patterson as a “person of interest” in the alleged slaying.
“We have Rushane Patterson of Prosper, Hanover, as a person of interest in this investigation,” they wrote in a statement, demanding that Patterson turn himself into the police station in Montego Bay, St James Parish, by 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Despite the summons, police have yet to hear from Patterson. However, they’ve conducted a series of raids on Saturday morning, which resulted in the seizure of a motor vehicle, and are imploring the public to come forward with any tips that might aid the investigation.
At the time of her death, Townsend had amassed nearly 320,000 followers on her Instagram page, where she regularly uploaded fashion videos and endorsed several brands. The mother, who tragically leaves a young son behind, also ran the online clothing store Slick Pieces JA, Jam Press reported.
In her final TikTok video from Oct. 18 with 165,000 views, Townsend can be seen holding the keys to her new house along with the caption “new beginning.”
No cause of death has been listed, however, Townsend was discovered partially nude with wounds on her head and neck. Jam Press
In her final TikTok video, posted on Oct. 18, Townsend could be seen moving into her new house. Jam Press Vid
Townsend’s body was identified by her mother. Jam PressFriends and fans have flocked to Instagram to mourn the late social media star’s untimely death. “Condolences to the family and friends, this seriously broke my heart,” wrote one devastated follower on Instagram.
“My soul is sick off of this, you don’t deserve this,” said another. “No woman deserves this. I wish I could lay it out all here but Slick you will forever live on in my heart.”
They added, “Anger, fear and resentment only represents the tip of what some of us are feeling. I choose to remember you happy, I choose to remember as a business woman as an influencer as my spirit twin.”
Townsend ran the online clothing store Slick Pieces JA. Jam Press
Authorities have since called on the public to provide any info that might assist the investigation into Townsend’s death. Jam Press
Townsend leaves behind a young son. Jam Press VidMeanwhile, Jamaican TV host and restaurateur Yanique “Curvy Diva” Barrett shared a photo of Townsend at her restaurant Dining With Curvy, Jam Press reported.
“Three days ago! I just saw you three days ago when you came by the restaurant with your mom for her birthday,” she wrote in the caption. “We were laughing cause I wanted you to try something other than the stuffed lobster which was your favorite.”
The bereaved business magnate added, “To know that the last pic you posted was at the restaurant and you’ll never dine with us again hurts my heart! Rest In Peace. I still can’t believe.”
