DNA breakthrough in Shani Coke murder probe linked to deceased cousin

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Nov 13, 2026 08:14 AM | News
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Pallbearers carrying the coffin with the body of Shani Coke.

What began as a family's worst nightmare has taken a significant turn following forensic DNA findings in the murder investigation of 10-year-old Shani Coke of Troy district, Trelawny.

Shani was reportedly sent to a local community shop on July 21, 2026. After she remained missing for more than three hours, her lifeless body was discovered in bushes, bearing multiple wounds.

Preliminary observations also raised concerns that she may have been sexually assaulted.

Through keen observation and diligent investigative work, detectives identified suspected biological material on the child's body. The samples were carefully collected and submitted to the Forensic Laboratory for DNA analysis and comparison.

Following an anxious wait, the results reportedly revealed a DNA match between the sample recovered and that of a now-deceased male suspect, Delroy Coke, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Delroy Coke and Shani Coke are cousins, chief investigator and crime office in charge of Area 1 police region Supt. Jermaine Anglin told Old Harbour News.

Tragically, the suspect was killed in an incident of mob violence, commonly referred to as jungle justice, shortly after the discovery of the child's body.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force reminds the public that jungle justice is illegal.

Regardless of what the now-deceased suspect, Delroy Coke, allegedly did, detectives are actively furthering their investigations into his killing and are still appealing to persons with information to come forward and assist the process.

Shani was laid to rest on August 30. However, weeks later the family was plunged into mourning when Shani’s father Aston Coke Jr died.

In a statement on the family said: “She was academically gifted and took pride in doing her best in school. She was also a faithful church-going child whose faith and compassion shined through in the way she treated others. Shani had a bright future ahead of her, filled with hopes, dreams, and endless possibilities. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter brought happiness to everyone around her. She was truly a blessing to our family, and her absence has left an unimaginable void in our hearts.”