Mandeville Businessman Jason Neil (33) Death: Coroner’s Inquest Begins
The Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Mandeville businessman Jason Neil has started, shedding light on the tragic incident that occurred in December 2018. Jason Neil, 33, was found dead at his Ingleside home, and it was initially reported as a suicide. However, the inquest aims to gather all the facts and provide a comprehensive understanding of what transpired that day.
Coroner Monique Harrison, addressing a seven-member jury at the Coroner’s Court in Mandeville, emphasized that the inquest is a fact-finding investigation. The jury, comprising six women and one man, listened to the testimonies of two witnesses on the first day of the proceedings, including Jason Neil’s widow.
On the morning of December 4, 2018, tragedy struck when Jason Neil was discovered shot in the bathroom of his upscale Ingleside home. The police reported that at around 7:00 am, Jason’s wife, who was pregnant at the time, heard a loud explosion. When she investigated, she allegedly found Jason Neil on the floor with his licensed firearm beside him. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
During the court session, Jason Neil’s widow, who had been married to him for two years, recounted the events of that fateful day. She vividly remembered hearing the loud explosion and discovering her husband bleeding on the bathroom floor. The widow, who was seven months pregnant at the time, provided her testimony to assist the jury in uncovering the facts surrounding Jason Neil’s death.
The first witness was questioned by attorneys KD Knight, KC, and Christopher Honeywell, who respectively represent Jason Neil’s father, Bunny Neil, and his widow. An interesting development occurred when Knight requested the reversal of the order of questioning, leading to a debate between the two attorneys.
Knight also expressed concerns about disturbing comments on social media related to the case and clarified his absence on the initial date for the inquest, stating that he was engaged in a trial matter in Half-Way-Tree, St. Andrew.
In April, attorney Ashleigh Ximines from the law firm Knight Junor and Samuels successfully applied for the inquest on behalf of Bunny Neil, Jason’s father. Bunny Neil and his daughter Stacy Neil were present in court during certain stages of the proceedings.
Jason Neil, who operated the family-owned business Neil’s Auto Service on Ward Avenue in Mandeville, was laid to rest at a family plot in Dunder Hill, St. Elizabeth.
The coroner’s inquest into the death of Mandeville businessman Jason Neil has commenced, shining a light on the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing. With the testimonies of witnesses and the dedication of the jury, it is hoped that the truth about Jason Neil’s death will be unveiled, bringing closure to his loved ones and providing a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
